Synthesis of nanoscale hydroxyapatite particles using triton X-100 as an organic modifier

Nano-sized rod like hydroxyapatite (HA) particles were synthesized using Ca(NO3)2·4H2O and (NH4)2HPO4 as precursors with varying contents of non-ionic surfactant viz., p-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenoxypoly(oxyethylene)glycol (triton X-100) as organic modifer. The crystalline phase, chemical composition, surface area and morphology of the prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), BET surface area analysis, high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The above studies indicate the presence of nanoscale hydroxyapatite (HA) phase. Triton X-100 does not appear to affect the crystallinity of the samples. Increase of BET surface area and the consequent decrease in particle size of HA were observed as a function of surfactant content. Probable mechanism for the role of the surfactant in the synthesis of nanoscale HA has also been discussed.