From Dental Enamel to Synthetic Hydroxyapatlte - Metal Composites

摘要

The study of mineral-like biological material provides information and can serve as a guide for the design and processing concepts of synthetic biomaterials. Based on the investigation of structural characteristics of dental enamel, we developed and synthesized novel hydroxyapatite-metal composite materials at high pressures and -temperatures in order to imitate the structure of dental enamel. The fracture morphology and the microstructure of the composites were investigated using SEM, IR and XRD. Mechanical properties were also measured and the fracture force of the composites was 2-3 times that of conventionally sintered hydroxyapatite ceramics. In addition to their biocompatibility, such composites provide enhanced physicochernical and mechanical qualities. Scanning electron micrographs of the synthetic material indicate that micro-sized hydroxyapatite grains are surrounded by a metallic network. No decomposition products of hydroxyapatite and obvious reaction between hydroxyapatite and metals, such as titanium, were detected by XRD and IR analyses. The high-pressure and-temperature densification process might be useful to fabricate hydroxyapatite-metal composites with improved microstructure and properties, which allows to extend dental and orthopedic applications.