Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite Nanostructures Using Microwave Heating

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoplates and nanofibers have been synthesized using CaNO3, KOH and K2HPO4 as chemical precursors. The concentration of these precursors was kept constant in all experiments. Synthesis reactions were carried out inside of pressurized Teflon vessels. The energy required for the synthesis was supplied by microwaves. Most of the reactions were performed in the presence of glutamic acid. The concentration of this substance was the only difference in the formulation of the reacting mixture, and its effect on the morphology of nanostructures has been evaluated. The use of pressurized vessels and the heating by microwaves in the synthesis reactions made easier the obtaining of HAp crystals. The morphology of nanostructures was influenced through the differences in the concentration of glutamic acid. The variations on the reaction time were useful to obtain nanofibers with an adequate size. The nanoplates and nanofibers obtained will be used to synthesize an organic-inorganic composite which has potential application on medicine and odontology. X-ray diffraction and FTIR were performed to verify the obtaining of a hydroxyapatite phase. High-resolution electron microscopy was carried out for microstructure analyses. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to evaluate the Ca/P ratio in all nanostructures.