Nanostructured Nb2O5–natural hydroxyapatite formed by the mechanical alloying method: A bulk composite

The aim of this study was to develop a nanostructured Nb2O5–natural hydroxyapatite bulk composite to serve as an alternative biocompatible bulk material for implants. A set of samples of hydroxyapatite from fish bones with different concentrations of Nb2O5 were designed. They were prepared through a milling process, compacted under different pressures (350, 450, 550 and 650 MPa) and sintered in air atmosphere at 1000 °C for 1 h. The results revealed that the prepared composites presented strong interactions between the two elements and showed improvement in the sinterability with significant densification and microstructure changes, suggesting that they are promising for implants meant to replace bone tissues.

► The proposed nanostructured bulk composite is a promising material for implants.
► The composite was obtained from natural hydroxyapatite combined with Nb2O5.
► The use of mechanical alloying favoured the formation of nanostructured composites.
► This material may be advantageous compared to those currently used in implants.