Spectroscopic studies of a multiphasic polymer-ceramic mixture material.

We report the results obtained by infrared (IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) on the multiphasic composite material formed by the mixture of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC). This synthetic material, intended for bone substitution, is injectable and allows percutaneous surgery. Core level spectra of carbon, oxygen, calcium, and phosphorus were recorded on separate components before mixing and then compared to those obtained in the final product. Analysis of the spectra shows that formation of calcium carbonate has occurred upon mixing the components in agreement with IR results. An attempt to explain the formation mechanism of the composite is given involving the nature of the constituents on one hand and the possible reactions between the different components on the other.