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Calcium phosphate crystallization under terrestrial and microgravity conditions.

H E Lundager Madsen1, F Christensson, L E Polyak

  • 1Chemistry Department, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.

Journal of Crystal Growth
|July 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary

Space-grown calcium phosphate crystals, including hydroxyapatite (HAP) and octacalcium phosphate (OCP), showed significant size increases compared to terrestrial growth. Lower supersaturation in space is suggested as the key factor.

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Area of Science:

  • Crystallography
  • Materials Science
  • Space Science

Background:

  • Calcium phosphate crystals are crucial in biomaterials and geology.
  • Previous crystal growth studies have been limited by terrestrial conditions, such as gravity-driven convection.
  • Understanding crystal formation in microgravity is key to developing novel materials.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the growth of calcium phosphate crystals under terrestrial and space conditions.
  • To investigate the influence of microgravity on crystal morphology and size.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms governing crystal growth in different gravitational environments.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of hydroxyapatite (HAP) and octacalcium phosphate (OCP) crystals grown in the Solution Growth Facility on Earth and during the EURECA 1992-1993 space mission.

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  • Utilized optical microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, electron microdiffraction, X-ray microdiffraction, and microanalyses.
  • Performed computer modeling of diffusion processes in a simulated growth chamber.

    • Main Results:

    • Terrestrial HAP growth yielded small, micrometer-sized spherolites.
    • Space-grown HAP spherolites reached hundreds of micrometers.
    • Space growth also produced large octacalcium phosphate (OCP) spherolites up to 3 mm.
    • Computer modeling indicated high supersaturation gradients in zero gravity, contrasting with terrestrial convection.

    Conclusions:

    • Microgravity significantly enhances the size and morphology of calcium phosphate crystals, including HAP and OCP.
    • Lower supersaturation levels in space are identified as the primary reason for the observed differences in crystal growth.
    • These findings have implications for advanced materials synthesis and understanding biomineralization processes.