Paper-derived hydroxyapatite

Porous hydroxyapatite structures were manufactured via a novel preceramic paper process. Preceramic paper sheets were produced from aqueous suspensions loaded with different contents of pulp fiber and HA filler. Pressure loading was applied in order to increase the packing density in the paper sheets. The paper sheets were sintered at 1250 °C for 1 h. The porous ceramic specimens were characterized for density, porosity, microstructure and mechanical properties. A pronounced volumetric shrinkage was observed, but no surface flaws or inhomogeneous areas were detected. The mechanical strength using the ball on three balls test (B3B test) and elastic modulus of sintered specimens vary between 18 and 28 MPa and 0.65–1.53 GPa, respectively.