Synthesis and characterization of composite powders of partially stabilized zirconia and hydroxyapatite

Two composites of powders of zirconia, partially stabilized by use of calci a (CaO), and hydroxyapatite (Z4H6 and Z6H4) have been synthesized by co-pre cipitation method. The powders have been characterized using X-ray diffract ion and infrared spectroscopy (for crystalline phases), thermogravimetry an d differential thermal analysis (for thermal analysis), Brunauer-Emmett-Tel ler and scanning electron microscopy (for particle, agglomerate and pore si zes, and morphology determination). Some of the physical-chemical and morph ological aspects of these materials are discussed in terms of the preparati on technique, characterization, and a hypothetical isomorphous substitution of Ca2+ by Zr4+ in the hydroxyapatite crystalline structure. (C) 2000 Else vier Science Inc. All rights reserved.