The Influence of γ-Ray Irradiation on the Mechanical and Thermal Behaviors of nHA/PA66 Composite Scaffolds

The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of sterilization process using γ-ray radiation on the melting behavior, crystallization behavior, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of nanohydroxyapatite/polyamide66 (nHA/PA66) scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. The results show that the melting temperature, degree of crystallization, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of the composite scaffolds increased with the enhancement of radiation doses from 25 kGy to 50 kGy, especially the irradiation dose of 50 kGy which imposed a remarkable effect on these properties. However, a reverse trend was found when the 100 kGy irradiation dose was applied. In general, a conclusion can be drawn that sterilization using γ-ray radiation with proper dose has no adverse effect on the properties of nHA/PA66 composite scaffolds.