Mechanical and bioactive behavior of hydroxyapatite-wollastonite sintered composites

The effect of wollastonite amount on the mechanical and bioactive properties of several hydroxyapatite-wollastonite sintered composites was evaluated. The wollastonite reinforcement effect was assessed by measuring hardness and reduced elastic modulus on the materials, using nanoindentation methods. Bioactive properties were analyzed by soaking these materials in a simulated body fluid (SBF) for various periods of time. The analyses reveal an enhancement of hardness and reduced elastic modulus with the addition of wollastonite. In addition, the interaction of these materials with an SBF produces a bone-like apatite layer on their surfaces, which is thicker when the wollastonite is in a higher proportion. © 2009 The American Ceramic Society.