The surface characteristics of the sintered body of hydroxyapatite-zirconia composite particles

Abstract In this study, the surface characteristics of the sintered body were evaluated by means of confocal scanning laser microscopy and contact angle measurement. Laser microscopic observations showed that the addition of partially stabilized zircornia (PSZ) causes an increase in the fracture surface roughness. This increase was due to the particles in the sintered body bonding tightly together through the added PSZ. Consequently, the sintered body prepared in this manner had a high bulk strength, thus showing an advantage of PSZ. Furthermore, the contact angle value of the sintered body lapped surface was not significantly affected by the addition of PSZ. This suggests that the hydroxyapatite (HAP)-PSZ sintered body also has a potential for good biocompatibility with bone tissue.