Effect of Milling Treatment on Texture Development of Hydroxyapatite Ceramics by Slip Casting in High Magnetic Field

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite (HAP, Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂) is a main component of bones and teeth, and a specific crystal orientation is required for biomaterial application. In this study, the effects of the processing parameters on the orientation, such as de-agglomeration by milling procedure, applied magnetic field and sintering temperatures, were examined. Using the de-agglomerated particle by a milling procedure, it is possible to control the particle orientation, but when using heavily agglomerated particles, it was impossible to control the particle orientation by applying a high magnetic field. Highly-textured HAP can be fabricated by slip casting using a well-dispersed suspension in a high magnetic field (above 4 T) followed by sintering above 1373 K.