Synthesis and characterization of hydroxyapatite/titania nanocomposites using in situ precipitation technique

Hydroxyapatite/titania nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by in situ precipitation of precursor matters from hydroxyapatite and titania at 70 degrees C with different hydroxyapatite/titania ratios. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface, scanning and transmission electron microscopes were employed to characterize the prepared nanocomposite powders. X-ray diffraction results indicated that hydroxyapatite and anatase (TiO2) were the major crystalline phases. By increasing the amount of titania nano-particles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that (PO4)(3-) bands at 567, 1033 cm(-1) decreased. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface results also showed a reduction in surface areas of nanocomposites. Transmission electron microscope observations revealed that the aspect ratio of hydroxyapatite/TiO2 nanocrystals increased by increasing TiO2 proportion in nanocomposites. The observed nanorod crystals tended to thin, elongated and plate-like in shape. (c) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd.