Synthesis and characterization of Ag/Cu/HAP with platelet morphology.

As a useful starting material in coating technology and preparation of HAP/polymers composites the platelet Ag/Cu/HAP was prepared using the solid solution of HAP reacting with the mix-solution of silver and copper nitrate. Its composition, microstructure and properties were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and anti-bacterial or bacteriostatic tests. The results demonstrate that the prepared Ag/Cu/HAP crystal is mainly comprised of HAP phase with little whitelockite and silver phosphate, stable up to 600 degrees C and takes a platelet shape. At 750 degrees C, it is partially changed into whitelockite, calcium copper phosphate, silver oxide and silver phosphate. The platelet Ag/Cu/HAP crystal has a preferential orientation of a-axis below 600 degrees C, above which the growth in a-axis is greatly inhibited. The Ag/Cu/HAP has good crystallinity at 600 degrees C and is the most effective powder in resisting bacteria among the HAP powders investigated. The platelet Ag/Cu/HAP crystal can be good starting materials to make antibacterial polymers/HAP composites and HAP coatings.