Synthesis of hydroxyapatite by hydrolysis of alpha-TCP

Hydroxyapatite whisker and platelet were synthesised by the hydrolysis of a lpha-tricalcium phoshate (alpha-TCP) in H2O system and etanoI/H2O system at 70 degrees C and atmospheric pressure, thus avoiding severe processing con dition, such as in hydrothermal synthesis. The hydroxyapatite prepared by t his process was analysed by X-ray diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy observation. The effect of ethanol addition into H2O on the hydr olysis of alpha-TCP to hydroxyapatite was also examined. The hydrolysis rat e of alpha-TCP to hydroxyapatite was inhibited in the ethanol/H2O system. I t was found that the morphology and the aspect ratio of hydroxyapatite coul d be controlled by adding ethanol into H2O during the hydrolysis reaction o f alpha-TCP.