Homogeneous Nucleation of Hydroxyapatite, Ca5OH(PO4)3, at 37 °C

Abstract

Precipitation of the calcium phosphate hydroxyapatite, Ca5OH(PO4)3, is studied by simple mixing of reagent solutions and measurement of light scattering (turbidimetry) at six different wavelengths from 300 to 800 nm. Measured turbidities are analyzed using Mie’s theory of light scattering from small particles. Results are interpreted in terms of classical theory of homogeneous nucleation, and from this the surface free energy of crystals is determined. The low value thus found is explained as the effect of protonation of the strongly basic anions hydroxide and phosphate at the crystal surface. Relatively large particles registered by turbidimetry are shown to be not monocrystals, but aggregates of nanocrystals.