Characterization of synthetic apatites for bioceramic implants

Hydroxyapatite has been studied as a substance suitable for surgical substitution of bones and teeth with emphasis on its biocompatibility. The present work tries to identify the characteristics of this material either from the chemico-physical-structural point of view, or from the technological one, evaluating the best performance. By X-ray i.r., thermal, chemical and SEM analyses, the relationship of different phenomena involved in the sintering was evaluated. Technological tests demonstrated the stability and the workability characteristics. In particular, the influence of CO 2 was studied, in connection with the most suitable technique for hydroxyapatite (HAP) sintering, considering the eventual aims and requirements for industrial production.