Preparation and Characterization of Boron-Containing Hydroxyapatite

Boron-containing hydroxyapatite (BHAp) particles were synthesized by the wet chemical processing method and subsequent thermal treatment at the temperature ranging from 700-1200°C, and examined the effect of boron introduction on the microstructure of BHAp. The local structure around boron and phosphorus in the BHAp was analyzed by solid-state magic-angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The heat-treatment above 700°C induced the thermal decomposition of HAp to β-TCP and then the chemical reaction between HAp and B(OH)3 was induced above 900°C, resulting in the formation of boron-substituted HAp particles accompanied by the formation of β-TCP and its transformation to α-TCP above 1200°C.