FHA bioceramic and zirconia toughened FHA bioceramic composite

Abstract

Synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA; Cai0(PO4)6(OH)2) has been widely investigated and used as a substitute for damaged bone and teeth due to its biocompatibility and excellent bioactivity with human bone tissues. However, the intrinsic poor mechanical properties of the HA ceramics have somehow restricted the applications of them in load-bearing areas. Therefore, many attempts have been made to reinforce HA by incorporating second phases such as ceramic particles, whiskers, and polymeric fibers. Among them, yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia (YTZP) has been favored due to its biocompatibility and excellent mechanical properties.