Processing and properties of biphasic calcium phosphates bioceramics obtained by pressureless sintering and hot isostatic pressing

Calcium phosphate powders were obtained from coprecipitation method using diammonium phosphate and calcium nitrate solutions. The adjustment of experimental parameters and Ca/P initial ratio allowed synthesizing stoichiometric HA and beta-TCP powders and four biphasic calcium phosphates (BCP) with compositions equal to 20/80,40/60, 60/40, 80/20, of HA and TCP respective in mass. Two sintering techniques, pressureless sintering and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) were performed to compare the sinterability of the stoichiometric and biphasic compounds. By pressureless sintering, densities higher than 98% were obtained. Results illustrate the negative impact of hydroxyapatite on the densification of BCP but its benefit effect on grain growth inhibition. After HIP treatment, transparent ceramics were obtained. The mechanical behavior of these fully densified compounds was examined in order to determine the role of the chemical composition on mechanical properties. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.