Effect of Synthesis Technique and Carbonate Content on the Crystallinity and Morphology of Carbonated Hydroxyapatite

The syntheses of nanosized carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) were performed by comparing dropwise and direct pouring of acetone solution of Ca(NO3)2·4H2O into mixture of (NH4)2HPO4 and NH4HCO3 at room temperature controlled at pH 11. Direct pouring method was later applied to study the increment of carbonate content in syntheses. The as-synthesized powders were characterized by various characterization techniques. The crystallographic results of the produced powders were obtained from X-ray diffraction analysis, whilst the carbonate content in the produced powders was determined by the CHNS/O elemental analyzer. Fourier transform infrared analysis confirmed that the CHA powders formed were B-type. Field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed that the powders were highly agglomerated in nanosized range and hence energy filtered transmission electron microscopy was employed to show elongated particles which decreased with increasing carbonate content.