Abstract. Calcium phosphates such as HA (hydroxyapatite), β-TCP (tricalcium phosphate) and biphasic HA/β-TCP, were synthesized by wet chemical precipitation in aqueous solution combined with ball milling process. Nanosize powders of the calcium phosphates were synthesized using Ca(OH)₂ and H₃PO₄. The effects of initial precursor Ca/P ratio (1.30, 1.50 and 1.67), ball milling process and post heat-treatment on the phase evolution behavior of the powders were investigated. The phase of resulting powder was controllable by adjusting the initial Ca/P ratio. HA was the only phase for as-prepared powders in both cases of Ca/P ratios of 1.50 and 1.67. The single HA phase without any noticeable second phase was obtained for the initial Ca/P ratio of 1.67 in the overall heat-treatment range. Pure β-TCP and biphasic calcium phosphate (HA/β-TCP) were synthesized from precursor solutions having Ca/P molar ratios of 1.30 and 1.50, respectively, after having been heat-treated above 700 ^oC. The β-TCP phase has appeared on the pre-existing DCPD (dicalcium phosphate dihydrate) and/or HA phase. Dense ceramics having translucency were obtained at a considerably lower sintering temperature. The modified process offered a fast, convenient and economical route for the synthesis of calcium phosphates.

Keywords: Calcium phosphate, Hydroxyapatite, Tricalcium phosphate, Nanopowder, Wet chemical synthesis