Synthesis of hydroxyapatite nanopowders by sol-gel emulsion technique

Hydroxyapatite nanopowders were synthesized by a sol-gel emulsion technique by varying the concentration of a non-ionic surfactant in the organic phases (oil phase) of water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion. Calcium acetate dissolved in distilled water and phosphorous pentoxide dissolved in 2-butanol were used as starting precursors. The prepared sol was emulsified in a support solvent (cyclohexane) containing 2, 4 and 5 volume% of surfactant (Span 80), followed by the addition of triethylamine, for gelation. The gel powders thus obtained were calcined at different temperatures up to 750??C. Characterization was done using XRD, SEM and TEM. Pellets were made from the developed HAP powders and tested for its biocompatibility after their immersion in the simulated body fluid.