Article contents
Precipitation in and on Polymers
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
Abstract
Mineralized biological tissues form by growth of inorganic phases in or on polymers and membranes. This paper discusses the mechanisms for these processes from a bio-mimetic point of view. Mineralization within a polymer or gel can lead to very fine precipitates because particle agglomeration is prevented and solute diffusion rates are low.
Localization of mineralization appears to occur in biology by activation of particular surfaces. The possibility is discussed that this may be due to a close lattice match between the spacing of groups on the polymer and the spacing of ions in the mineral. It is shown that this mechanism is unlikely and other possibilities are discussed.
- Type
- Research Article
- Information
- Copyright
- Copyright © Materials Research Society 1994
References
REFERENCES
- 3
- Cited by