Composites of bovine hydroxyapatite (BHA) and ZnO

Composites of calcinated bovine bone-derived hydroxyapatite (BHA), doped with 2.5, 5, and 10 wt.% ZnO were produced by sintering. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis together with measurements of density, compressive strength, and Vickers microhardness were carried out in the sintered samples. The experimental results showed that the best mechanical properties were achieved in the samples with 5% addition of ZnO. The highest value of compression strength was achieved after sintering at 1200 C (72 MPa) and of microhardness at 1300 C (548 HV). Prolong heat treatment at 1300 C results in vulnerable BHA–ZnO composites to over-firing effect.