Preparation of calcium-phosphate bioceramics from natural resources

In this study, calcium phosphate based bioceramics have been synthesised by using eggshell derived raw materials and phosphoric acid at different mixing ratios. Development of the elaboration processes has been conducted to gain mono phase hydroxyapatite (HAP). The processing route of calcium phosphate ceramics and the end product characteristics have been found to be influenced by acid/CaO mixing ratio, milling time and heat treatment applied. Calcium phosphate foams resulted at higher acid/CaO mixing ratio with high specific surface area. At higher sintering temperatures, calcium phosphate thin and thick film coatings have been produced by a condensation method. The films contained a mixture of micron size crystals and nanofibrous cover layer. The good adherence of films to the calcium phosphate substrate assured a higher strength for these samples. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.