Highly sinterable, nano-sized beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) powder was fabricated by an organic-inorganic solution route. Calcium nitrate and phosphoric acid were dissolved in D.I. water and 5 wt% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution was added. The PVA was used as an organic carrier for the precursor gel. The dried precursor gel was fully crystallized to beta-TCP at 1000 C in an air atmosphere. As well, in the calcination process, the NOx and CO2 gases from the calcium nitrate and PVA polymer made the precursor gel to a soft and porous powder. The synthesized beta-TCP powder was agglomerated showing nano-sized primary particles. The ball-milled and compacted beta-TCP powder was fully densified at 1200 degrees C for 1 h. In particular, the sintered beta-TCP showed pure beta phase without phase transformation to a. In this process, the Ca/P ratio for stoichiometric (beta-TCP was adjusted by the control of phosphoric acid content.

Keywords: beta-TCP; polymer; synthesis; powder; microstructure