Hydroxyapatite/Al 2 O 3 /diopside ceramic composites and their behaviour in simulated body fluid

Abstract

In the present work, alumina and diopside were introduced in hydroxyapatite matrix, and hydroxyapatite/Al₂O₃/diopside ceramic composites with good mechanical properties were fabricated by uniaxial hot pressing. The behaviours of hydroxyapatite/Al₂O₃/diopside ceramic composites in simulated body fluid were studied by SEM, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and electron probe microanalyser. Scanning electron microscopy images showed an obvious mineral layer formed on the soaked composite surface, which indicated that the introduction of Al₂O₃ and diopside in hydroxyapatite matrix could not only improve the strength and toughness of the composites but also maintain its ability to precipitate an apatite layer.