Synthesis of polymer-decorated hydroxyapatite nanoparticles with a dispersed copolymer template

In this research, a nanoparticle synthesis method was explored in order to produce nanoparticles with different shapes and polymer-coated surfaces. Specifically, a poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(methacrylic acid) (PEO-b-PMAA) block copolymer was employed as a dispersed template for the controlled synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles in water. Six different synthesis conditions were used to produce different nanoparticle shapes, and characterization of these nanoparticles was performed to understand the level of morphological control available with this synthesis method. SEM images showed that needle and spherical nanoparticles could be produced by changing the block copolymer concentration. The shape of the nanoparticles produced by this synthesis method was shown to be related to the relative concentrations of the calcium precursor and the block copolymer used. Significant quantities of the block copolymer used for synthesis remained on the particle surface, constituting a functionalized moiety and providing an opportunity to control component interactions in composites.