Mechanical Properties of HAp/TiO2 Nanocomposites Synthsised by In-Situ Precipitation at Low Temperature

To improve mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite as the main mineral constituent of hard tissue, titania reinforcement was added to hydroxyapatite structure. HAp/TiO2 nanocomposites were prepared successfully by in situ precipitation processes at room temperature and 70°C. Fallowing that, hydroxyapatite/titania bodies were fabricated by hot isostatic pressing at 1200°C under a pressure of 200 MPa. Characterization of mechanical behavior of compacts indicated that mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite/titania samples are relatively higher in relation to pure hydroxyapatite. SEM images showed that the HAp/TiO2 nanocomposites demonate excellent chemical and structural uniformity. TEM observation revealed that different morphology for hydroxyapatite/titania nanocomposites could be obtained due to titania crystalline structure. XRD and FTIR results indicated the formation of high temperature crystalline phase of titania (rutile)at room temperature and low temperature phase of its (anatase) at 70ºC.