Hydrothermal Synthesis of Si-doped Hydroxyapatite Nanopowders: Mechanical and Bioactivity Evaluation

Abstract

Si-doped hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (n-Si(x)HA) were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis from calcium nitrate tetrahydrate and diammonium hydrogen orthophosphate. A rod-like morphology was obtained for all the powders irrespective of the incorporated Si-doping level. But the crystallinity of the n-Si(x)HA powders, the density achieved upon sintering powder compacts and their mechanical properties (three-point-bending strength), as well as their biomineralization activity evaluated by immersing them into simulated body fluid (SBF) were found to be dependent on the Si-doping amount.