Thermal analysis of amorphous phases in hydroxyapatite coatings

The amorphous phase in hydroxyapatite coatings has been examined by using X-ray diffractometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and thermal analysis methods. The amorphous phase mostly consists of a dehydroxylated calcium phosphate. When heated, crystallization of hydroxyl-rich areas produces hydroxyapatite, followed by diffusion of hydroxyl ions, thus increasing the amount of crystalline phase. Hydroxyl-deficient amorphous areas crystallize to oxyapatite at 700°C. Thus, crystallization occurs over a range of temperatures and is dependent on the hydroxyl content of the amorphous phase and the partial water-vapor pressure. The activation energies of crystallization to hydroxyapatite, diffusion of hydroxyl ions, and crystallization to oxyapatite are 274, 230, and 440 kj/mol, respectively. Shrinkage from these processes leads to a crack network and decreases the mechanical strength of the coating