In situ grown carbon nanotube-Fe₃O₄-dicalcium phosphate dehydrate composite coating on carbon fibres for bone tissue application

In order to endow carbon fibre (CF) bioactivity, an in-situ-grown carbon nanotube-Fe₃O₄-dicalcium phosphate dehydrate (IC-FE-D) composite coating has been prepared on CF by a combination method of chemical vapour deposition, slurry method and electrochemical deposition. The morphology, microstructure and in-vitro bioactivity of the IC-FE-D composite coating are analysed. Results show that the ICNTs form a porous structure on CF. Fe₃O₄ particles are distributed on surface of ICNTs and in the gaps between ICNTs. The introduction of Fe₃O₄ particles could favour the nucleation of the following dicalcium phosphate dehydrate. The flake dicalcium phosphate dehydrate shows a good interaction with ICNTs and Fe₃O₄ particles. The IC-FE-D composite coating exhibits good biomineralisation in simulated body fluid. The IC-FE-D composite coating prepared on CF integrating both mechanical properties and biocompatibility may be an ideal candidate material for bone tissue engineering.