On the synthesis and characterization of (bio)ferroelectrically active PVDF-BCP composites.

In this manuscript, an innovative and bioactive polyvinylidene fluoride-biphasic calcium phosphate (PVDF-BCP) ferroelectric composite was synthesized and characterized. FTIR investigations reveal that our synthesis method promotes a deep change in the PVDF structure, leading to the emergency of the ferroelectric polar β-PVDF phase in the PVDF-BCP composite. Microstructural analyzes performed in samples immersed in simulated body fluid reveal an elevated growth rate of synthetic osseous tissue (apatite, ∼15 μm in 7 days) on the composite surface, attesting its enhanced bioactivity. The observation of ferroelectric hysteresis loops attests the polar character of the obtained PVDF-BCP composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]