Preparation of highly purified β-tricalcium phosphate ceramics with a microdispersion process

In this study, a novel continuous process for preparing β-tricalcium phosphate (β-Ca3(PO4)2, β-TCP) nanoparticles was developed with low-price calcium hydroxide and phosphoric acid as the reactants. A micro-orifice dispersion microreactor was designed to realize the fast microreaction process. The relation of the synthesis reaction and microdispersion was investigated. The side reaction was eliminated with the fast and uniform mixing process. Highly pure β-TCP nanoparticles were finely prepared. The experimental results showed that the β-TCP nanoparticle crystal shape and size as well as the Ca/P molar ratio could be well controlled using the microdispersion process. The size of β-TCP nanoparticles ranged from 80 to 120 nm.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights• A novel continuous process for preparing β-Ca3(PO4)2 nanoparticles was developed. • Highly pure β-Ca3(PO4)2 nanoparticles were finely prepared. • The mixing efficiency governs the mass transfer and reactions. • The relation of synthesis reaction and microdispersion was investigated. • The possible mechanism has been provided to explain the side reaction.