Synthesis and Thermal Stability of Hydroxyapatite- Coated Zirconia Nanocomposite Powders

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a well-known and valuable implant material with biocompatibility and bioactive properties. Full uti- lization of the unique properties of hydroxyapatite bulk ceramics is, however, enhanced by a proper reinforcement, i.e., by prepa- ration of composites. The goal of this study was to synthesize a HA-coated zirconia composite nanopowders by the precipitation of HA in presence of zirconia. The idea was to avoid, in this way, uncontrolled agglomeration of the zirconia nanostructured rein- forcement during the sintering step.