Mechanosynthesis of hydroxyapatite-ferrite composite nanopowder

The mechanosynthesis and mechanotreatment of hydroxyapatite in steel drums with steel balls is accompanied by the contamination of hydroxyapatite by their wear debris (iron + manganese). A large part of oxidized iron forms superparamagnetic inclusions distributed in HA powder. A small part of Fe3+ and Mn2+ ions from the steel wear debris enters into the hydroxyapatite lattice, substituting Ca2+ ions. As a result, a nanocomposite powder consisting of hydroxyapatite, alloyed by Fe3+ and Mn2+ ions and ferrite inclusions forms. The phase composition of HA powders, the degree of their alloying by Fe3+ and Mn2+ ions, and the content of ferrite inclusions can be controlled by changing the time of mechanotreatment.