Whisker-Like Hydroxyapatite Synthesized by Molten Salt Synthesis (MSS) of Nano-Hydroxyapatite in a KCl/NaCl Flux

A lot of attention has been given to bone cements due to their lack of mechanical properties. The improvement of this property is essential, once it makes possible the usage of these biomaterials in sites that require a significant mechanical strength resistance. To do so, reinforcement agents, such as fibers, in particular biocompatible fibers, have been synthesized [1]. This study reports the synthesis of stequiometric Hydroxyapatite whisker-like fibers utilizing the Molten Salt Synthesis process of nanometric Hydroxyapatite with a salt flux mixture of KCl/NaCl. According to SEM images, EDS analysis and X-ray diffraction, the fibers obtained presented well defined and elongated (main length of about 70µm) hexagonal morphology with Ca/P ratio of 1.66.