Fabrication of calcium phosphate bioceramics by using eggshell and phosphoric acid

Pure and highly sinterable hydroxyapatite (HAp) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) ceramics were successfully fabricated by using recycled eggshell and phosphoric acid. The observed phases on the powder synthesis process were dependent on the mixing ratio (wt.%) of the calcined eggshell and phosphoric acid, and the calcination temperature. The HAp and beta-TCP were stably synthesized in the 1:1.1-1:1.2 and 1:1.3-1:1.5 mixing ratios, respectively. Ball-milled beta-TCP powder showed fine particles and, was fully densified (having beta-phase) by sintering at 1200 degreesC for 2 h. The crystalline development and microstructures of the synthesized powders and densified beta-TCP were examined by X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.