Synthesis and in-depth analysis of highly ordered yttrium doped hydroxyapatite nanorods prepared by hydrothermal method and its mechanical analysis

In this study, undoped and yttrium (Y) doped nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite crystals were synthesized by the hydrothermal method at 180 °C for 24 h. Highly ordered and oriented hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanorods were prepared by yttrium doping and their nanostructure and physical properties were compared with those of undoped HAp rods. FESEM images showed that the doping with Y ions reduced the diameter (from 25 nm to 15 nm) and increased the length (from 95 nm to 115 nm) of the synthesized rods. The aspect ratio of the undoped and Y-doped nanorods were calculated to be 4.303 (SD = 0.0959) and 7.61 (SD = 0.0355), respectively. Specific surface area (SSA) analysis showed that SSA also increased from 66.74 m2/g to 68.57 m2/g with the addition of yttrium. Y-doped HAp nanorod reinforced HMWPE composites displayed the better mechanical performance than those reinforced with pure HAp nanorods. The possible strengthening of nanorods and the increase of SSA due to the reduction in the size of nanorods in the presence of yttrium may have contributed to the strengthening of Y-doped HAp/HMWPE composites.

Graphical AbstractHighly ordered and oriented yttrium doped hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanorods were prepared by hydrothermal method. For undoped HAp the average length of the nanorod is 95 nm with mean diameter of 24 nm and for a Y doped nanorod the average length is ~ 115 nm and the mean diameter is 15 nm. Mechanical analysis was carried out by polymer/nanoparticle composite method.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Yttrium doped hydroxyapatite nanorods were prepared by hydrothermal method.
► The nanorods have highly uniform size distribution.
► Yttrium substitution and nanostructure formation was confirmed by careful analysis.
► Mechanical strength was analyzed by polymer nanoparticle reinforcement method.