Ag+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ doped hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate bioceramics: Influence of doping and sintering technique on mechanical properties

Abstract

Green hydroxyapatite ceramics were obtained by cold uniaxial and isostatic pressing of hydrothermally synthesized powders, pure hydroxyapatite and hydroxyapatite doped with Ag+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions. The ceramics were conventionally and microwave sintered and analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The effect of doping on the mechanical properties of the obtained hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate ceramics was examined by comparing their average grain size, porosity and values of the hardness and fracture toughness. The results showed that doping with Cu2+ ions caused the lowest porosity of the ceramics and the highest values of hardness and fracture toughness. The ceramics obtained from hydroxyapatite doped with Ag+ and Zn2+ ions exhibited worse mechanical properties due to the higher porosity even in the case of microwave sintering, which provide denser ceramics than conventional sintering.