Zirconia-toughened hydroxyapatite ceramic obtained by wet sintering.
A toughened hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramic has been obtained through the incorporation of magnesia partially stabilized zirconia (Mg-PSZ) under uniaxial pressing and sintering in wet oxygen at 1250 degrees C for 4 h. The powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and infrared spectra (FT-IR) show that HA is the only calcium phosphate phase present. The composite (MgPSZ-HA) has a density of 94% the theoretical value. The bending strength and the fracture toughness are around 50% higher for Mg-PSZ reinforced than for HA. The grain size and the fracture surface were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The influence of the Mg-PSZ particles on the fracture mechanism of the HA ceramic is discussed.
Delgado
J A
JA
Centro de Biomateriales, Universidad de La Habana, 10400-Ciudad Habana, Cuba.
Morejón
L
L
Martínez
S
S
Ginebra
M P
MP
Carlsson
N
N
Fernández
E
E
Planell
J A
JA
Clavaguera-Mora
M T
MT
Rodríguez-Viejo
J
J