Synthesis and characterization of strontium–lanthanum apatites

Two series of strontium-lanthanum apatites, Sr{sub 10-x}La {sub x}(PO{sub 4}){sub 6-x}(SiO{sub 4}) {sub x}F{sub 2} and Sr{sub 10-x}La {sub x}(PO{sub 4}){sub 6-x}(SiO{sub 4}) {sub x}O with 0 {<=} x {<=} 6, were synthesized by solid state reaction in the temperature range of 1200-1400 deg. C. The obtained materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, infrared absorption spectroscopy and solid {sup 31}P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Pure solid solutions were obtained within a limited range of unsubstituted phosphate and silicate apatites. A variation of the lattice parameters was observed, with an increase of a and a decrease of c parameters, related to the radius of the corresponding substituted ions.