Thermal Treatment and Polymer Matrix Diffusion Effects on Hydroxyapatite Particle Size Evolution
Alexandru Pahomi1,2, Ionela-Amalia Potinteu1,2, Alexandra-Maria Tășală1
1Research Centre for Thermal Analysis in Environmental Problems, West University of Timisoara, Pestalozzi Street 16, 300115 Timisoara, Romania.
Polymers
|September 13, 2025
Summary
Chitosan and sodium alginate polymers significantly reduce hydroxyapatite (HA) particle size during wet chemical synthesis. The HA + Alg 10% sample showed the largest particle size reduction, demonstrating polymer effectiveness in controlling HA nanoparticle formation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Hydroxyapatite (HA) is crucial in biomedical applications.
- Wet chemical precipitation is a common HA synthesis method.
- Controlling HA particle size is essential for its performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of chitosan and sodium alginate on HA particle size.
- To explore the use of polymers as nucleation media for HA synthesis.
- To optimize HA particle size reduction using biopolymers.
Main Methods:
- Wet chemical precipitation of HA using varying concentrations (5-10% w/v) of chitosan and sodium alginate.
- Characterization using SEM, FT-IR, EDAX, DLS, and TGA before and after calcination at 1000 °C.
- Monitoring changes in particle size, morphology, and composition.
Main Results:
- All tested polymer concentrations reduced HA particle size.
- The HA + Alg 10% sample exhibited the largest particle size decrease (-67.7%).
- Polymers influenced HA nucleation and crystal growth.
Conclusions:
- Chitosan and sodium alginate are effective in reducing HA particle size via wet chemical precipitation.
- Polymer concentration plays a key role in particle size control.
- This method offers a route to tailor HA nanoparticle properties for specific applications.
