Dielectric studies of proton transport in air-dried fully calcified and decalcified bone

Measurements of dielectric properties of calcified and decalcified bone were made in the electric field frequency range of 10(1)-10(5) Hz and at temperatures from 22 to 250 degrees C. The temperature dependencies of the complex dielectric constant of bone revealed two main molecular processes. The first process corresponds to the loss of water in the temperature ranges 22-160 degrees C and 22-210 degrees C for calcified and decalcified bone, respectively. The second is associated with the decomposition of collagen in bone, but this occurs only for decalcified bone above 210 degrees C. Analysis of polarization and conduction mechanisms for bone in the alpha-dispersion region was explained in terms of dielectric relaxation time and activation energy.