Synthesis and characterization of calcia partially stabilized zirconia-hydroxyapatite powders prepared by co-precipitation method

It was recently been reported that calcia partially stabilized zirconia can be used as a reinforcement phase in zircon ia-hydroxyapatite composites, C omposites prepared by a precipitation method lead to the formation of homog eneous powders, easily compacted without addition of other phases. In this work, hydroxyapatite-zirconia composites were prepared by a similar precipi tation route previously used. Here, it was lightly modified in relation to steps of addition of precursors reagent solutions. Two powders, having diff erent compositions, were prepared by this method. The modified route led to the formation of a mixture of tetragonal zirconia, t-ZrO2, monoclinic zirc onia, m- ZrO2, and calcium zirconium oxide, Ca0.15Zr0.85O1.85, as well as a hydroxyapatite phase. Fine powders with specific surface area of approxima tely 35 m(2)/g were produced. Textural analyses revealed the presence of mu ltiple generations of agglomerate, for both compositions. Thermal analyses showed the thermal stability of powders which presented weight losses of on ly 4%, for temperatures from 25 to 1400 degreesC. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd and Techna S.r.l. All rights reserved.