Effect of temperature on crystallinity of carbonate apatite foam prepared from alpha-tricalcium phosphate by hydrothermal treatment.

The effect of temperature on crystallinity of carbonate apatite (CAp) foam prepared from alpha-tricalcium phosphate (alpha-TCP) foam by hydrothermal treatment was investigated in the present study. The alpha-TCP foams were prepared through a conventional sintering method using polyurethane foam as template. Then, the resultant alpha-TCP foams were hydrothermally treated with Na2CO3 aqueous solution at 100 degrees C, 150 degrees C and 200 degrees C for 72 h. After hydrothermal treatment, the cancellous bone-like macroporous structure of the alpha-TCP foams was maintained. However, microscopic morphology of the foams' frame significantly changed after the 72 h treatment period. The smooth surface of alpha-TCP foam disappeared and the whole surface was covered with plate-like deposits. The plate-like deposits treated at 150 degrees C and 200 degrees C had smooth surface while those treated at 100 degrees C were constructed from spherical particles of approximately 200 nm in diameter. The results of X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared analysis showed that alpha-TCP was completely converted to CAp and the crystallinity of CAp prepared at 100 degrees C was significantly lower than those prepared at 150 degrees C and 200 degrees C. Hydrothermal treatment of alpha-TCP foam at 100 degrees C allowed the formation of low-crystalline CAp foam but complete conversion needs a longer treatment period.