Microhydrogel-mediated synthesis of sintered hydroxyapatite granules

Abstract

Synthesis of macroporous hydroxyapatite (HA) granules with a controlled microarchitecture has been demonstrated by following a polymer microhydrogel mediated synthesis process coupled with sintering. The process is basically based on in situ nucleation and growth of HA nanoparticles in polymer (polyvinyl alcohol) microhydrogels. A systematic variation of polymer concentration has manifested a controlled evolution of a hierarchical macroporous granular structure after sintering. © 2008 American Ceramic Society.