Mechanochemical synthesis and characterization of nanostructure forsterite bioceramics

Recent investigations suggest that forsterite ceramics possess good biocompatibility and mechanical properties and might be suitable for potential application like bone implant material. In this study, nanocrystalline forsterite (Mg2SiO4) powder was prepared by mechanochemical method and subsequent heat treatment and the effect of fluorine ion as catalyst was studied. Mechanochemical process and heat treatment were done on the MgCO3, SiO2 and (NH4)(2)SiF6 powders. The synthesized powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric (TG) analyses and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The synthesized nano-powder had particle size smaller than 100 nm. The crystallite size of powders after 5 hours mechanical activation was 18 nm. Mechanical activation in the presence of fluorine ion affects the mechanism of forsterite formation and increase the rate of decomposition of MgO and fabrication of forsterite.