Synthesis and selected physicochemical properties of hydroxyapatite and white clay composite

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) composites are very important biomaterials, which can be applied in various life areas. HAP composite with white clay was prepared and studied using X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), potentiometric titration, and quasi-elastic light scattering and zeta potential measurements. The values of pH_pzc (point of zero charge) and pH_IEP (isoelectric point) which characterize the electrical double layer depend strongly on the white clay addition to HAP. Comparative studies of hydroxyapatite, white clay and composite using nitrogen adsorption and FTIR methods showed that in most cases composite has the properties nearly intermediate between hydroxyapatite and white clay taken for the synthesis; however, certain non- additivity was observed analyzing the properties, due to precipitation of HAP onto clay particles that changes the HAP formation conditions in comparison to HAP formation alone. Thus, changes in the condition of the composite preparation allow one to control the properties of the final materials.