Abstract: Nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) was modified by using silane coupling reagent (KH-560), and the interfacial interactions between n-HA and KH-560 was also studied. Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) analyses show that the silane coupling molecular binds strongly to n-HA surface. Chemical bonding (Si--O--P) is formed by the reaction between Si--OH and HPO ^2-₄ group, and a similar interface effect exists between Si--OH and the hydroxyl group of HA. Surface modification of HA particles can improve the mechanical strength of the n-HA/polycarbonate (n-HA/PC) composites dramatically. SEM observation shows that modified HA particles uniformly distribute in the PC matrix. The results indicate that the interfacial interaction between surface-modified inorganic particles and polymer matrix is crucial for the improvement of the mechanical strength of the composites.

Key words: nano-hydroxyapatite, silane-agent, polycarbonate, composites, surface modification