Synthesis and Thermal Stability of Hydroxyapatite-Coated Zirconia Nanocomposite Powders

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a well-known and valuable implant material with biocompatibility and bioactive properties. Full utilization of the unique properties of hydroxyapatite bulk ceramics is, however, enhanced by a proper reinforcement, i.e., by preparation of composites. The goal of this study was to synthesize a HA-coated zirconia composite nanopowders by the precipitation of HA in presence of zirconia. The idea was to avoid, in this way, uncontrolled agglomeration of the zirconia nanostructured reinforcement during the sintering step.

Keywords:

• hydroxyapatite
• nanocomposite powders
• zirconia

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Dr. Mauro Zapparoli for his support to the TEM analysis and Ing. Elena Colombini and Davide Sighinolfi for their support to experimental work.