Effect of sintering temperature on mechanical and microstructural properties of bovine hydroxyapatite (BHA)

The influence of sintering temperature on densification, microstructure and the mechanical properties of bovine hydroxyapatite (BHA), produced by a calcination method, was investigated. Densification and mechanical properties improved with increasing sintering temperature in the range between 1000 degrees C and 1300 degrees C, with optimum properties being obtained at a sintering temperature of 1200 degrees C. The measured mechanical properties indicate that sintered BHA bodies are interesting biomaterials for further investigation in biomedical applications.