Phase purity of sol–gel-derived hydroxyapatite ceramic

Calcium oxide was reported in the sol–gel-derived hydroxyapatite (HA) as an unavoidable major impurity. In this study phase purity of HA synthesized by sol–gel route was explored using precursors of calcium nitrate tetrahydrate and triethyl phosphate. Two different drying methods, the fast drying of as-prepared precursors and the slow drying of aged precursors were adopted as major processing variables. The dried gels were subsequently calcined up to 600°C. In the calcined powder from fast-dried gel, X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns revealed an intense CaO peak. For the slow-dried gel, thermogravimetric analysis revealed a 2-step weight-loss behavior during heating. XRD analysis of the calcined powder, corresponding to the second weight-loss step, showed major peaks of hydroxyapatite and a very weak CaO peak. P-31 NMR analysis indicated formation of calcium phosphate complex during aging. Complete incorporation of Ca(NO3)2 into the complex due to proper aging therefore diminishes CaO formation. It was also found that the minor CaO derived in the slow drying method can be easily and completely washed out just by distilled water.