Transition metal doped apatites as inert non-toxic pigments

This project focused on transition metal doped hydroxyapatite, namely copper doped Ca and Sr hydroxyapatite, which produces a bright colouration when synthesized. The intensity of the colouration increases with an increase in copper content as well. The objective was to investigate the structural and electronic aspects of these materials for their potential future use as catalytic and antimicrobial agents. This project studied the synthesis and characterization of Ca10(PO4)6Cux(OH)y with x = 0, 0.6 and 0.8 and Sr10(PO4)6Cux(OH)y with x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8. The synthesis of the samples was standardized throughout the project as well. XRD scans of the samples showed that lattice parameter increased with increasing copper content, confirming the results from previous studies. FTIR and UV-Vis scans of the samples revealed that the doped copper substituted hydroxyl groups and existed as Cu3+ and Cu+ ions as well. SEM and SEM-EDX analysis also revealed that the ball-milling process could cause sample degradation if the sample underwent the process for prolonged periods of time. Testing of thin-film preparation method was done via spin-coating using 3 types of solvent, acetic acid, ethanol and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).Bachelor of Engineering (Materials Engineering