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Rapid Mix Preparation of Bioinspired Nanoscale Hydroxyapatite for Biomedical Applications
Published on: February 23, 2017
Mechanical parameters of strontium doped hydroxyapatite sintered using microwave and conventional methods
Declan J Curran1, Thomas J Fleming, Mark R Towler
1Materials and Surface Science Institute, University of Limerick, National Technological Park, Limerick, Ireland.
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials
|November 22, 2011
Summary
Strontium substitution in hydroxyapatite (HA) enhances lattice stability and density after microwave sintering (MS). Microwave sintering (MS) of Sr-doped HA offers superior results compared to conventional sintering (CS).
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Crystallography
Background:
- Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a key biomaterial for bone regeneration.
- Ion substitution in HA can modify its properties for enhanced performance.
- Understanding sintering effects on doped HA is crucial for biomaterial development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of strontium (Sr) ion substitution on hydroxyapatite (HA) crystal structure and lattice stability.
- To evaluate the effects of Sr incorporation on the mechanical properties (biaxial flexural strength and hardness) of HA.
- To compare conventional sintering (CS) and microwave sintering (MS) on Sr-doped HA properties.
Main Methods:
- Ion substitution of HA with Sr.
- Sintering of HA at 1200 °C using conventional and microwave regimes.
- Analysis of crystal structure, lattice parameters, crystallite size, and phase composition.
- Measurement of biaxial flexural strength and hardness.
Main Results:
- Sr incorporation increased lattice d-spacings and reduced crystallite size in post-sintered HA.
- Conventional sintering (CS) led to HA decomposition and β-TCP stabilization, while microwave sintering (MS) destabilized β-TCP, forming α-TCP.
- Microwave sintering (MS) of Sr-doped HA resulted in higher HA retention and improved densification compared to conventional sintering (CS).
Conclusions:
- Strontium substitution influences HA's structural and mechanical properties.
- Microwave sintering (MS) is a promising technique for producing dense, stable Sr-doped HA biomaterials.
- Optimized sintering of ion-substituted HA can lead to advanced bone graft substitutes.

