Abstract
Preparation of a composite consisting of apatite and collagen was attempted. Starting from an aqueous solution of collagen, phosphoric acid, and calcium hydroxide suspension, an apatite (90wt%)-collagen (10wt%) composite of 1.75 g/ml in apparent density, with 2 GPa in Young's modulus, and 6.5 MPa in compression strength was synthesized at 40°C, 200 MPa, successfully. It was found that the presence of liquid water in the system was essential for the sintering of the composite under high pressures. Without liquid water, the specimen that was pressure treated and brought in atmospheric pressure, broke into small pieces due to residual strain. The prepared composite could be cut by a razor blade, and was stable against immersion in water. The mean size of the apatite crystals in the composite was 10 nm in width and 40 nm in length.
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