Abstract
Cortical and cancellous bones were demineralized and deproteinized using 1 N HCl and 6% NaOCl, respectively. Experiments were performed at 37°C. The rate constants were calculated and the structural features of untreated and completely demineralized and deproteinized samples were studied by scanning electron microscopy, showing that intact, contiguous structures were obtained. For both cases, the rate constant was higher for cancellous bone than the cortical bone. © 2011 Materials Research Society.