Sulfonic groups (-SO3H) were covalently attached on different polymeric surfaces
enabling them to induce apatite nucleation, for developing bioactive apatite-polymer composites with
a bonelike 3-dimensional structure. High molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE) and
ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol co-polymer (EVOH) were used. The polymers were soaked in two types of
sulphate-containing solutions with different concentrations, sulphuric acid (H2SO4) and
chlorosulfonic acid (ClSO3H). To incorporate calcium ions into to the sulfonated polymers, the
samples were soaked in a saturated Ca(OH)2 solution for 24 hours. After soaking of the samples in a
simulated body fluid (SBF), formation of an apatite layer on both surfaces was observed. The results
obtained prove the validity of the proposed concept and show that the -SO3H groups are effective on
inducing apatite nucleation on the surface of these polymers.(undefined