High density HAp and β-TCP blocks for biomedical applications - fabrication strategy and resulting properties

Abstract

Calcium phosphate compounds, such as HAp and β-TCP, are attractive biomaterials for implants due to a direct bonding to hard tissue owed to their chemical similarity to the inorganic components of human bone. In this study, hot pressing technique was used to produce fully dense HAp and β-TCP using two different approaches: a single holding time versus two holding times, aiming to compare their microstructure, porosity, and mechanical properties. Results showed that by using two holding times the densification was enhanced, which improved the flexural strength of both β-TCP and HAp.