HAp/TiO2 nanocomposites: Influence of TiO2 on microstructure and mechanical properties

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite is a very attractive material for artificial implants and human tissue restorations because they accelerate bone growth around the implant. The hydroxyapatite nanocomposites (HAp/TiO2) were produced by using high energy ball milling. X-ray diffraction studies revealed the formation of HAp and TiO2 composites. Cubic-like crystals with boundary morphologies were observed; it was also found that the grain size gradually increased with the increase in TiO2 content. It was found that the mechanical properties (hardness, Young's modulus, fracture toughness, flexural strength, and compression strength)of the composites significantly improved with the addition of TiO2, which was sintered at 1200℃. These properties were then also correlated with the microstructure of the composites. This paper investigates the effect of titania (TiO2 = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt%) addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) nanocomposites.