Preparation and characterisation of fluorapatite whiskers

Fluorapatite (FAp) whiskers were prepared by using Molten Salt Synthesis (MSS) technique. beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and various fluorine salts, along with potassium sulphate as a flux salt were used as starting materials for preparing FAp whiskers. Effects of flux to powder weight ratio, temperature and soaking time on the morphology were studied. The optimum temperature to obtain FAp whiskers was found to be 1175 degrees C. The phase purity of the prepared FAp whiskers were confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction and FTIR spectra, and the whiskers were further characterized by laser Raman spectra, chemical analysis and DTA/TGA thermal analysis. The morphology of the FAp whiskers were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. (C) 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.