Papers by Author: A.F. Lemos

Abstract: Stable and relatively concentrated aqueous suspensions of nano-sized stoichiometric hydroxyapatite could be prepared by a precipitation method in the presence of suitable surface active agent (SAA). The method includes the precipitation, vacuum filtration and washing of the precipitated powders, followed by re-dispersion. It could be concluded that the added amount of the SAA should be enough to cover the primary particles surface, and that washing should be better carried out using a SAA solution. The method developed enables the precipitation of the powders and the preparation of suspensions, while significantly shortening the overall time required for colloidal processing consuming.

Abstract: Hydroxyapatite (HA) is the calcium-phosphate material with composition closest to that of human bone, what makes it suitable for osseous implant purposes, namely as fillers, spacers and bone grafts substitutes. This study is aimed at the development of a method to produce porous spherical hydroxyapatite granules. The process involves the spraying of a suspension with different amounts of a setting agent to a setting media. The tailor and the control of the morphology, size and porosity of the granules were attained by adjusting the nozzle diameter, the pressure of air flow and the distance between the nozzle and the setting media.