The effect of silica ratio and sintering temperature on the mechanical properties of synthesized hydroxyapatite

Ergul N. M., Sulutas R. B., Topsakal A., Danısık M. N., Macha I. J., GÜNDÜZ O.

Journal of the Australian Ceramic Society, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s41779-025-01288-8
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of the Australian Ceramic Society
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Aerospace Database, Communication Abstracts, Metadex, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Composite biomaterials, Hydroxyapatite, Mechanical properties, Silica, Sintering temperature
  • Marmara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

In this study, hydroxyapatite (HA) was synthesised using a controlled precipitation method, with the solution’s pH adjusted to 11 to ensure optimal precipitation. The obtained material was dried and calcined at 600 °C, forming a crystalline HA structure. The success of the synthesis process was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses, which revealed characteristic functional groups and crystalline phases of high-purity HA. To enhance its mechanical properties for biomedical applications, silica was incorporated into the HA matrix at varying concentrations. Among the tested compositions, the sample containing 2.5 wt% silica sintered at 1200 °C exhibited superior performance, with a compressive strength of 103 MPa, Young’s modulus of 2829 MPa, and Vickers hardness of 372.8 HV. By comparison, pure HA achieved only 24.3 MPa, 1343 MPa, and 263.4 HV, respectively. This optimal composition and processing condition demonstrate that silica reinforcement significantly enhances the strength, stiffness, and hardness of HA, making the composite promising for biomedical applications such as bone tissue engineering and implant coatings.