DOUBLE STEP STIRRING: A NOVEL METHOD FOR PRECIPITATION OF NANO-SIZED HYDROXYAPATITE POWDER

Abstract

The effect of three different stirring techniques (magnetic, ultrasonic and double-step stirring) on the properties of hydroxyapatite (HA) prepared from calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)(2)] and phosphoric acid [H(3)PO(4)] was investigated. The employed precipitation processes were found to be suitable for the production of nano-sized pure HA powders. Sample characterization was achieved by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR) transmission spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), density and surface area measurements. The double-step stirring technique played an important role to progress the homogenous reaction and the preparation of pure and fine HA powder.