An experimental study of airblast atomization has been conducted using a specially designed atomizer in which the liquid is first spread into a thin sheet and then exposed on both sides to high-velocity air. The first results of this study, reported in reference [1], were confined to the effects of liquid properties, namely, viscosity, surface tension, and density on atomization quality. Since then the experimental data have been extended to include the influence of air properties, notably temperature and pressure, on-mean drop size. The purpose of this paper is to present these data and to show that the effects of both air and liquid properties on atomization quality are described by the following dimensionless equation: SMD/t=A(σeρe/t)0.5(Vaρa)−1.0(1+We/Wa)+B(ηe2/σeρat)0.425(1+We/Wa)2

Strategies for bone tissue engineering and regeneration rely on bioactive scaffolds to mimic the natural extracellular matrix and act as templates onto which cells attach, multiply, migrate and function. Of particular interest are nanocomposites and organic-inorganic (O/I) hybrid biomaterials based on selective combinations of biodegradable polymers and bioactive inorganic materials. In this paper, we review the current state of bioactive and biodegradable nanocomposite and O/I hybrid biomaterials and their applications in bone regeneration. We focus specifically on nanocomposites based on nano-sized hydroxyapatite (HA) and bioactive glass (BG) fillers in combination with biodegradable polyesters and their hybrid counterparts. Topics include 3D scaffold design, materials that are widely used in bone regeneration, and recent trends in next generation biomaterials. We conclude with a perspective on the future application of nanocomposites and O/I hybrid biomaterials for regeneration of bone.