Rietveld analysis and Fourier maps of hydroxyapatite

Rietveld analysis was applied to the X-ray powder diffraction data of well-crystallized hydroxyapatites synthesized at 80 degrees C and pH 7.4. The least-squares refinement program adopted for Rietveld analysis showed good pattern fitting with the calculated profile. The a- and c-axis dimensions, a-0.943046 + 0.000126 nm and c-0.687485 +/- 0.000104 nm, were obtained and compared with the data estimated from a single peak. The lattice dimensions obtained by Rietveld analysis were much closer to the values of a single crystal, a = 0.9432 nm and c-0.6881nm. Fourier analysis was also performed. The maps of electron densities expressed the existing possibility of each atom composing hydroxyapatite in the crystal structure. In particular, columnar calcium and screw-axis calcium were clearly revealed. These data agreed well with the computer graphics model of hydroxyapatite reported previously.