High-frequency induction heating sintering of hydroxyapatite-(Zro2+3%Mol Y2o3) bioceramics

In this study, hydroxyapatite (HAp) and hydroxyapatite-yttria stabilized zirconia (HAp-3YSZ) with 20 vol. %- (ZrO2+3 %mol Y2O3) nanopowders were consolidated very rapidly to full density by High-frequency induction heat sintering (HFIHS). Effects of temperature and the addition of 3YSZ on the toughness, hardness and microstructure properties have been studied. 3YSZ second phase toughening HAp composites with higher toughness were successfully developed at relatively low temperatures through this technique. The samples were densified by heating to a sintering temperature in the range of 900 to 1200 degrees C, and then rapidly cooled to 500 degrees C within a very short time. A relative density of up to 98.6% of theoretical density of the composites was achieved after sintering at 1100 degrees C. Compared with hardness and toughness obtained for pure HAp, the hardness and toughness for HAp-20vol. % 3YSZ were much higher.