Effect of sintering on the mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite from fish bone (Pangasius Hypophthalmus)

Hydroxyapatite was synthesized from materials containing calcium. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of sintering i.e. temperature and duration on mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite from paten fish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) bone. The calcium content of fish bone was analyzed by using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Hydroxyapatite synthesis was conducted by hydrothermal method followed by a sintering process at various temperatures 800, 900, 1000, 1100 and 1200 degrees C for 2 hours. The optimum temperature for sintering hydroxyapatite was used for further synthesis by varying duration i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 hours. The result shows that increasing temperature and duration of sintering enhanced Vickers Hardness and Modulus Young of hydroxyapatite product before it decreases subsequently. The optimum sintering condition was obtained at 1100 degrees C and 2 hours with mechanical properties represent by Vickers Hardness 20.6 +/- 0.62 VHN and Modulus Young 3.23 +/- 0.11 GPa. The hydroxyapatite obtained has an average crystallite size of 45.68 nm and crystallinity of 87.31%. SEM-EDS analysis indicates the hydroxyapatite was porous and has an irregular shape with O, Ca and P content 33.12; 21.35 and 45.53%, respectively.