Elaboration of a triphasic calcium phosphate and silica nanocomposite for maxillary grafting and deposition on titanium implants

A hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate nanocomposite containing 5% silica was developed for dental applications. The biomaterial was prepared by one-step synthesis via the wet route. The resulting dry material consisted of hydrated calcium phosphate agglomerates with sizes of up to 200 mu m. The presence of silica was found to lower the phase transformation temperature of the calcium phosphates and increase the open porosity of the biomaterial compared to that of hydroxyapatite. The hydrated calcium phosphate transformed into hydroxyapatite (HA) and beta tricalcium phosphate (TCP) at approximately 682 degrees C. After 2 h of calcination at 900 degrees C, the volume ratios of HA and TCP in the nanocomposite were 84 and 16%, respectively. The open porosity in the triphasic nanocomposite and in the HA was 46.35% and 41.52%, respectively, after 3 h of sintering at 1 100 degrees C. Samples of grade 2 titanium were sandpapered and etched with an acid solution of HCl/H2SO4 prior to deposition of the calcined nanocomposite. The particles were deposited homogeneously and reduced the contact angle of the titanium surface.