Development of Biomimetic Needle-like Apatite Nanocrystals by a Simple New Method

A new method of calcium nitrate and sodium phosphate as reactants was employed to prepare biomimetic apatite nanocrystals by a simple heating treatment in water. The structure and properties of the apatite crystals were investigated by TEM, XRD, IR, ICP and TG. It is found that the apatite nanocrystals contain OH-, CO32-, Na and HPO~- ions in their crystal structure. The crystal water is removed during heating from 200℃ to 400℃. CO32-and HPO~- are decomposed at 600℃ to 800℃, also there is lattice water lost at this temperature stage. The morphology of the apatite nanocrystals is needle-like with a length less than 80 nm. The size and crystallinity of the apatite nanocrystals increase with water treatment temperature and time. Compared to the apatite crystals sintered at 800℃, water treated apatite nanocrystals are poorly crystallized apatite. The results indicate that the apatite nanocrystals have similarity in composition, structure, morphology and crystallinity to that of bone apatite crystals. It can be used to make apatite crystals/polymer biomimetic bone repair materials or for other biomedical applications.