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Comparison of hydroxyapatite powders derived from different resources
S L Hee1, N I Nik Intan, F Fazan
1AMREC, SIRIM Berhad, Lot 34, Jalan Hi-Tech Park, 09000 Kulim, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia.
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
|October 8, 2004
Summary
Local limestone can be used to synthesize Hydroxyapatite (HA) for orthopaedic and dental uses. This research demonstrates a cost-effective, locally sourced alternative to imported HA materials.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Materials Engineering
- Bioceramics
Background:
- Hydroxyapatite (HA) is crucial for orthopaedic and dental applications due to its bone-like properties.
- Malaysia faces challenges with HA availability and high import costs, necessitating local production.
- Utilizing local resources for HA synthesis can significantly reduce manufacturing expenses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of synthesizing Hydroxyapatite (HA) using local Malaysian resources.
- To compare the properties of locally synthesized HA with a commercial reference material.
- To evaluate the potential of natural limestone as a precursor for HA production.
Main Methods:
- Two HA powders were synthesized: one from commercial calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) (HAS) and another from local limestone-derived Ca(OH)2 (HAL).
- A commercial HA (HAC) served as the reference material.
- Synthesized powders were fired at 1000°C and 1250°C.
- Characterization included X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), and Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
Main Results:
- Both locally synthesized HA materials (HAS and HAL) demonstrated comparable properties to the commercial HA (HAC) even after firing at 1000°C.
- The study confirmed that local natural limestone is a viable precursor for HA synthesis.
- Distinct color differences were observed: HAC appeared blue, HAS greenish, and HAL light green, indicating variations in material composition or structure.
Conclusions:
- Local natural limestone is a suitable and cost-effective raw material for producing Hydroxyapatite (HA).
- Synthesized HA from local resources shows promise as an alternative to expensive imported materials for orthopaedic and dental applications.
- Further investigation is required to understand the observed color variations and their impact on mechanical and bioactive properties.