Reactive alumina-LaPO4 composite as machinable bioceramics

Abstract

Sintered Al2O3-LaPO4 composites were prepared using commercially available reactive alumina and phase pure lanthanum phosphate (LP), prepared by the reaction synthesis technique. LP content was varied between 10 and 50 wt% and sintering was carried out between 1400 and 1600°C. Sintered composites were characterized for phase analysis, densification, strength, machinability, microstructure and bioactivity (in SBF solution) and biocompatibility (MTT assay protocol) studies. Composite nature was confirmed by phase analysis and LP was found to reduce the densification and strength values but imparted machinability. Again positive bioactivity and biocompatibility character were observed for all the compositions.