Synthesis, sintering and microstructure of beta-tricalcium phosphate for prosthetic applications

A method is described for preparing dense, polycrystalline beta-tricalcium phosphate. The phase composition of the precipitate made by mixing Ca(OH)(2 ) and H3PO4 Solutions with subsequent drying and calcining has been studied as a function of initial mixing Ca/P molar ratio. Pure beta-tricalcium pho sphate is prepared with initial Ca/P = 1.2 and without any pH control. Effe cts of milling time of calcined powder on the sintering behavior and micros tructural development examined. Grinding for a longer time helps in achievi ng a relatively high density and fine-grain microstructure at 1200 degrees. The synthesized powder of beta-TCP shows good biocompatibility and no cyto toxicity.