Development and Characterization of Cowry Shell- Based Hydroxyapatite for Dental and Orthopaedic Applications

Abstract

This work investigated the suitability of the utilization of cowry shell-based hydroxyapatite (HA) in orthopaedic and dental applications. HA was synthesized via aqueous precipitation process and sintered at different temperatures. The pH and density of the synthetic HA were determined before subjecting the samples to mechanical characterization. The chemical analysis of the HA was carried out with the aid of Energy Dispersive X-ray Florescence (ED-XRF), Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS), Fourier’s Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) while the microstructural analysis was evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The weight of the precipitate produced at pH 9 and 10 are similar to the theoretical HA which is 8.17 g per precipitation batch assuming complete transformation of Calcium (Ca) to HA while the weight recovered at the pH 10 to 12 are greater than the theoretical value and this might be due to the presence of range the theoretical of hardness value 1200oC. tensile strength range optimum value MPa at 1200oC range tensile The range of the elasticity of the HA G elasticity The value the HA. fracture toughness from 2.55 value toughness range compact ED-XRF AAS HA can FTIR that synthetic sample is hydroxyapatite. Pure HA other phases in minute the XRD SEM analysis HA high can bone Ca the sizes that can enhance bone regeneration. This synthetic hydroxyapatite will be compatible with the human physiological environment since biocompatibility is a direct result of their chemical constituents which include ions that are commonly found in the physiological environment. The synthetic HA will therefore find applications in filling of bone defects in orthopaedic surgery, coating of dental implants and metallic prosthesis.