Synthesis and characterization of calcia partially stabilized zirconia-hydroxyapatite powders prepared by co-precipitation method

It was recently been reported that calcia partially stabilized zirconia can be used as a reinforcement phase in zirconia-hydroxyapatite composites. Composites prepared by a precipitation method lead to the formation of homogeneous powders, easily compacted without addition of other phases. In this work, hydroxyapatite-zirconia composites were prepared by a similar precipitation route previously used. Here, it was lightly modified in relation to steps of addition of precursors reagent solutions. Two powders, having different compositions, were prepared by this method. The modified route led to the formation of a mixture of tetragonal zirconia, t-ZrO2, monoclinic zirconia, m- ZrO2, and calcium zirconium oxide, Ca0.15Zr0.85O1.85, as well as a hydroxyapatite phase. Fine powders with specific surface area of approximately 35 m2/g were produced. Textural analyses revealed the presence of multiple generations of agglomerate, for both compositions. Thermal analyses showed the thermal stability of powders which presented weight losses of only 4%, for temperatures from 25 to 1400°C.