Effect of pH on the precipitation of hydroxyapatite on silica gels

Abstract

Silica-HAp composites have been produced with particle size ranging from several nm to few mm, through control of the pH of the solution, which also controls morphology. A calcium ions reservoir has been made available as a Ca/EDTA soluble complex allowing the production of HAp at low temperature and short periods of time (hours). The presence of silica seems to promote the formation of HAp under these conditions.

Keywords:

• Chemical synthesis
• Biomaterials
• Ceramics
• Hydroxyapatite
• Crystal morphology