MICROSTRUCTURAL AND PHASE STUDY OF Y2O3 DOPED HYDROXYAPATITE/Al2O3 BIOCOMPOSITES

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite is the mineral component of natural hard tissues and, as such, it has been studied extensively as a candidate biomaterial for its use in prosthetic applications. This study presents the fabrication and characterization of Y2O3 doped HA-Al2O3 composite materials. Hydroxyapatite ( HA) powder was obtained from bovine bones (BHA) via calcination technique. Fine powders of HA/Al2O3 were admixed with 0.5 and 1 wt % Y2O3 powders. Powder-compacts were sintered at 1550 degrees C for 4h. SEM, EDS and X-ray diffraction studies were conducted. The effect of increasing Y2O3 content on surface morphology, elemental distribution and phase evaluation was investigated in hydroxyapatite/Al2O3 biocomposite materials.