Synthesis and evaluation of hydroxyapatite ceramics

Hydroxyapatite (HA) powder was prepared by chemical solution technique. The dried powders were calcined at temperatures from 200 OC 1000 OC and the phases present were identified by X-ray diffraction. The functional groups present were identified by FTIR spectrometry. Powders calcined at 400DGC were ball milled and pelletized under uniaxial pressure at different loads. These pellets were sintered at different temperatures varying from 900DGC 1200DGC. The biaxial flexural strength was determined and the fractured surfaces were observed under scanning electron microscope.