Synthesis and characterization of composite powders of partially stabilized zirconia and hydroxyapatite

Two composites of powders of zirconia, partially stabilized by use of calcia (CaO), and hydroxyapatite (Z4H6 and Z6H4) have been synthesized by co-precipitation method. The powders have been characterized using X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy (for crystalline phases), thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (for thermal analysis), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller and scanning electron microscopy (for particle, agglomerate and pore sizes, and morphology determination). Some of the physical–chemical and morphological aspects of these materials are discussed in terms of the preparation technique, characterization, and a hypothetical isomorphous substitution of Ca2+ by Zr4+ in the hydroxyapatite crystalline structure.