Development and Characterization of Hydroxyapatite-Alumina Biocomposites for Orthopedic Implants

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite-Alumina composite powders, HAP-Al2O3, for biomedical applications were synthesized by neutralization method. Composites with different alumina content were prepared and calcined over the temperature range of 900-1300°C for 3 h. Effects of alumina content and calcination on the structural properties of powders were studied. The as-received powders and ceramics were characterized by various techniques (XRD, IR, SEM, TEM). Compressive strength of ceramics was determined using direct compressing. Results indicate that both crystallinity of the HAp-Al2O3 powders and the compressive strength increased with the temperature of calcination, but depending of the alumina content where the formation of β-TCP phase as secondary phase is detected after heat treatment. We notice that HAp-10Al2O3 offers the best mechanical strengths that can be improved by a high calcination temperature.