Mechanical properties of tricalcium phosphate-fluorapatite-alumina composites

AbstractThis study deals to produce tricalcium phosphate - fluorapatite composites sintering at various temperatures (1300∘C, 1350∘C and 1400∘C) and with different alumina additives amounts (2.5 wt%, 5 wt%, 7.5 wt%, 10 wt% and 20 wt%). The characterization of samples before and after sintering was investigated, using X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electronic microscopy and by analysis using 31P and 27Al nuclear magnetic resonance. Mechanical properties have been measured by Brazilian test. The evolution of composite rupture strength was studied as a function of sintering temperature. The effect of sintering on the mechanical properties was measured with the change in composition and microstructure of the composite. The mechanical resistances of composites were increased with the temperatures and with concentrations of alumina. At 1350∘C, the mechanical resistance reaches its maximum value with 5 wt% Al2O3 (13.6 MPa) whereas the optimum density is about 90% with 2.5 wt% Al2O3