Abstract
Recent research has reported the fabrication of highly dense bioceramic composites based on zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) and biogenic hydroxyapatite (HA). The influence of ZTA addition (in the range of 40 to 60 wt pct) on HA was studied and evaluated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electronic microscope (SEM) analysis were used to investigate the phase composition and microstructure, while densification was evaluated by determining the apparent porosity and bulk density of the bodies according to ASTM C-20. The results revealed the formation of new phases, α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP), and hibonite (CaAl12O19), which developed as a result of the reaction between ZTA and HA. The produced phases improved the composites’ sinterability and hence their mechanical properties. The addition of 50 wt pct ZTA is the optimal addition due to the resulting high mechanical strength: 179.62 ± 8 MPa, an excellent bioactivity which is promoted through the dissolution of α-TCP and the hydration of calcium aluminate phases.
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