A comparative X-ray diffraction analysis of Sr²⁺substituted hydroxyapatite from sand lobster shell waste using...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Crystallography

Background:

• Sand lobster shells (SLS) are a potential source of calcium for synthesizing hydroxyapatite (HAp).
• Strontium substitution (SrHAp) can enhance biomaterial properties.
• Hydrothermal synthesis offers a controlled method for producing HAp and SrHAp.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the crystallographic properties of HAp and SrHAp derived from SLS.
• To compare various methods for determining microstructure parameters like crystallite size and microstrain.
• To evaluate the suitability of the Williamson-Hall (W-H) plot for analyzing these materials.

Main Methods:

• Hydrothermal synthesis of HAp and SrHAp using SLS as a calcium precursor.
• Calcination of SLS at different temperatures (0°C, 600°C, 800°C, 1000°C).
• Characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
• Analysis of microstructure parameters using Scherrer, Williamson-Hall, and other methods.

Main Results:

• XRD confirmed HAp and SrHAp diffraction patterns and identified CaCO3 and Ca(OH)2 phases in calcined SLS.
• TEM revealed particle sizes of approximately 130 nm for HAp and SrHAp.
• Multiple methods yielded comparable crystallite size results, with the W-H plot providing additional insights into anisotropy and consistent size data.

Conclusions:

• SLS is a viable precursor for synthesizing HAp and SrHAp.
• The Williamson-Hall plot method is recommended for accurate crystallite size and microstrain analysis, offering insights into anisotropy.
• The study successfully characterized HAp and SrHAp derived from waste materials.