Synthesis and Characterization of Hydroxyapatite Produced by Microwave Assisted Precipitation Technique

Abstract

In medical applications, the compliance and integration of bone with implant are a critical issue. Biocompatible metal substrates coated by suitable materials such as calcium phosphates, especially hydroxyapatite, exhibit excellent biocompatibility, high mechanical strength, good corrosion resistance and toughness. The use of these type of material coatings on the implant surfaces has recently drawn attention of many researchers. Many methods such as sol-gel and dip coating, electrochemical and electrophoretic deposition, plasma spraying, hot isostatic pressing and pulsed laser deposition have been employed for the production of hydroxyapatite artificially. Among these methods microwave-assisted precipitation technique in a simulated body fluid solution is the simplest and most efficient way to produce hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyapatite with a suitable molar ratio of Ca/P is bioactive, biocompatible and osteoconductive, and enhances direct attachment of implant to the bone. In this study, hydroxyapatite powders were produced by microwave-assisted precipitation. The powder samples were analyzed in detail by SEM-EDX, XRD and FTIR. Analysis results showed that experimental parameters such as microwave irradiation power and exposure time had a considerable effect on Ca/P molar ratios, surface morphologies and crystallinity of the powders.