Densification and Mechanical Behavior of β-Tricalcium Phosphate Bioceramics

Nano-size β-tricalcium phosphate powders with average grain size of 80 nm were prepared by the wet chemical precipitation method with calcium nitrate and di-ammonium hydrogen phosphate as calcium and phosphorus precursors, respectively. The precipitation process employed was also found to be suitable for the production of sub-micrometre β-TCP powder in situ. The sinterability of the nano-size powders, and the microstructure, mechanical strength of the prepared β-TCP bioceramics were investigated. Bioceramic sample characterization was achieved by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and density measurements. Powders compacted and sintered at 800, 900, 1000 and 1100 °C showed an increase in relative density from 70 % to 93 %. The results revealed that the maximum hardness of 240 H was obtained for β-TCP sintered at 1100 °C.