Yuko Takeoka, Kaori Arai, Masahiro Yoshizawa-Fujita, Mamoru Aizawa, and Masahiro Rikukawa
The composites of poly (L-lactc acid) (PLLA) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) were easily fabricated by ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide in porous HAp disks under microwave irradiation without any additional catalyst. Ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide in the porous HAp proceeded efficiently at relatively lower reaction temperatures and for shorter times. By use of the MW methods, PLLA/HAp composites with excellent mechanical properties, which were higher than those of pristine HAp were obtained.