Nanostructured apatites grown by laser floating zone

Abstract

Apatites (AP) ceramics are important due to their application in the orthopaedics field as bioceramic material. Several processes to produce apatites such as oxyapatite (OAP) and hydroxyapatite (HA) materials are used to apply as a temporary substitute for human bone. In the present work, AP powders were prepared by high-energy ball milling and then by laser floating zone (LFZ) technique to transform into a dense cylinder (fibre). The effect of LFZ processing conditions was assessed by structural and electric characterization. Fibres present strong densification and a uniform polycrystalline microstructure, which could favour the use for natural bone treatments and as bio-sensors. However, further work must be assessed to optimize laser processing conditions.