Synthesis of hydroxyapatite by hydrolysis of α-TCP

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite whisker and platelet were synthesised by the hydrolysis of alpha-tricalcium phoshate (α-TCP) in H2O system and etanol/H2O system at 70°C and atmospheric pressure, thus avoiding severe processing condition, such as in hydrothermal synthesis. The hydroxyapatite prepared by this process was analysed by X-ray diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy observation. The effect of ethanol addition into H2O on the hydrolysis of α-TCP to hydroxyapatite was also examined. The hydrolysis rate of α-TCP to hydroxyapatite was inhibited in the ethanol/H2O system. It was found that the morphology and the aspect ratio of hydroxyapatite could be controlled by adding ethanol into H2O during the hydrolysis reaction of α-TCP.