Green synthesized graphene-hydroxyapatite nanocomposites for bioimplant applications

Graphene-hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocomposites are fabricated using betel leaf extract as a green reducing agent. UV-Visible, Raman, and XRD techniques proved graphene's formation and the HA's alpha-TCP crystal structure. The mechanical properties obtained from Nanoindentation and Vicker indentation techniques demonstrated the enhancement in the elastic modulus, microhardness, and fracture toughness values by 114 %, 36 %, and 141 %. The SEM analysis of radial cracks confirmed that reinforced graphene sheets hindered the crack propagation by ridge growth and bridging. Surface roughness (110 %) and coefficient of friction (40 %) values are also enhanced for these nanocomposites. Further, the nanocomposites also showed in vitro cell viability (140 % at 200 mu g/mL) for human embryonic kidney cells and osteoconductivity in simulated body fluid solution.