INFLUENCE OF PRECIPITATION CONDITIONS ON THE SYNTHESIS OF HYDROXYAPATITE

The goal of this study was to find suitable precipitation conditions (Ca/P ratio, pH and precipitation rate) for the synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HAP; Ca 10 (PO 4 ) 6 (OH) 2 ) and to determine the effect of precipitation conditions on the product properties. Hydroxyapatite was synthesized by precipitation. Three ratios of Ca/P (1; 1.67; 3) were selected for the synthesis, then two pH values (7 and 12) and two precipitation rates of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (0.5 and 5 mlmin -1 ). The prepared powders were evaluated from the standpoint of particle size distribution, crystal size and morphology by optical and scanning electron microscope, and phase composition by X-ray diffraction analysis.