Abstract
Spark plasma sintering (SPS) was employed to sinter RF suspension plasma sprayed HA ultra-fine powders and ZrO2–HA nano-composite powders. The powders were sintered at 1000°C for 5min at 11.1MPa and 1100°C for 5min at 11.1MPa, respectively. After sintering, the samples were ground and polished for subsequent indentation and microscopy studies. The as-sintered compacts of the HA–CaP powders were studied in vitro by immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF). The in vitro studies indicated that a bio-active apatitic layer was formed as early as 1 week after immersion. Optical microscopy and SEM investigation revealed negligible porosity and dense microstructure suggesting liquid phase sintering to have taken place. Phase composition was calculated with the aid of XRD and the Rietveld method. The results indicated that the mechanical properties of the as-sintered compacts were improved in the presence of nano-ZrO2. The Young’s modulus increased to 130MPa and the fracture toughness was 1.6MPam1/2 for ZrO2 loading lower than 3vol.% indicating greater enhancement of properties than that suggested by the rule of mixtures.
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