Hydroxyapatite Matrix Composites by Hot Isostatic Pressing: Part 1. Alumina Fibre Reinforced

Abstract

Fracture Toughness Improvement of the Hydroxyapatite Matrix Composite, to a Level Comparable to that of Natural Bone for in Vivo Applications, Was the Aim of the Present Work. Hot Isostatic Press Using a Graphite/stainless Steel Encapsulation System Enabled the Production of Fully Dense Decomposition-Free Hap with Toughness Improvements of: 2.4 Times (Al2O3 Fibres, Optimally 20 Vol%). Glass Encapsulation of Fibre-Reinforced Hap Resulted in Aeration from Sample Volatilization. Further, it Was Found that the Hap Decomposition Temperature Was Higher at 100 Mpa (the Hiping Pressure) than for Pressureless Sintering. the Toughening Effect of the Al2o3 Fibre Additive Induced Plastic Deformation and Ductile Fracture.