Ceramic materials on the basis of hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate

Studies on mono-, bi-, or triphase ceramic materials consisting of hydroxya patite (HAp), beta tricalcium phosphate (alpha-TCP), alpha tricalcium phosp hate (alpha-TCP) and CaO are reported. The synthesis of powder precursors w ere carried out at Ca/P molar ratios below, equal or over 1.67 and at pH of reaction environment equal 5, 6 or 11. The microstructure, phase compositi on and density of the uniaxially or isostatically compacted samples after s intering at 1250 degrees C were analysed using SEM, QXRD, FTIR, EDS and por osymetric techniques. Elastic properties of the investigated materials were determined by the ultrasonic method. The relationship between the precipit ation conditions and the properties of final calcium phosphate ceramics was confirmed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd and Techna S.r.l. All rights rese rved.