The Micro-Structural Investigation of Nano-Calcium Phosphates Doped With Fluoride Ions

Abstract

In this study, fluoride (F-) doped calcium-phosphates (CaP) at various compositions were synthesized by a precipitation method and sintered at 1100 degrees C for 1 and 5 h to investigate their microstructures. It was observed that densities of the sintered materials were increased by extending the sintering time. The structural analysis determined by Rietveld refinement proved the presence of beta-tri-calcium phosphate (TCP) as the main phase. Also, a considerable amount of hydroxyapatite (HA) was detected in the samples. Unit cell volumes shrinked upon ions substitution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that addition of doping ions resulted in smaller grains. In Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), in addition to the characteristic bands of TCP, F-ion substitution was confirmed.