title: Sequential elucidation of the β-Ca3(PO4)2/TiO2composite development from the solution precursors.
abstract: The sequential formation of β-Ca3(PO4)2/TiO2composites with assorted ratios synthesized from the solution precursors is described. The phase evolution of the synthesized powders to yield a composite during progressive heat treatments is determined through a set of analytical techniques. Investigation reveals the initial crystallization of apatite and anatase TiO2(a-TiO2) mixtures at <800 °C. β-Ca3(PO4)2crystallizes at ∼800 °C and its subsequent stability is retained until 1300 °C. Besides, a gradual phase transition of a- → rutile TiO2(r-TiO2) transpires in the range of 800-1000 °C before the complete r-TiO2transformation accomplishes at 1100 °C. The structural stability of the resultant β-Ca3(PO4)2/r-TiO2composites is retained until 1300 °C. The β-Ca3(PO4)2lattice also hosts a selective amount of Ti4+and as a consequence the anticipated β- → α-Ca3(PO4)2conversion that occurs at 1180 °C is delayed. TiO2plays a crucial role in the attainment of dense and pore free microstructures of β-Ca3(PO4)2/r-TiO2composites. The mechanical properties determined through nanoindentation revealed an upsurge trend as a function of TiO2content in the composites.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Nanoscience and Technology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry-605 014, India. para_kanna@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nandha Kumar
authors.affiliation: Centre for Nanoscience and Technology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry-605 014, India. para_kanna@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: S
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2285-4907
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kannan