Synthesis and characterization of pure and zinc doped calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate nanoparticles

Crystal Growth Laboratory, Physics Department, Saurashtra University, Rajkot 360 005, Gujarat, India

Corresponding author: sonalvasant@rediffmail.com

Received: 5 March 2010
Accepted: 27 September 2010
Published online: 23 December 2010

Abstract

Calcium phosphate based biomaterials are widely used in dentistry and as a bone substitutes in orthopedic applications. Calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) – a type of calcium phosphate and a shortest linear polyphosphate can also be used as a bone graft. Successive applications of theses materials depend on the degree of bio-resorption, mechanical strength and bio-compatibility. Zinc improves the bone activity of osteoblast, promotes the bone regeneration and also stimulates enzyme activity. In the present study Zn doped calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (Zn-CPPD) nanoparticles were synthesized using surfactant mediated approach with varying [Zn]/[Ca] molar ratio as 0% (pure CPPD), 2%, 5% and, 10%. The crystalline nature and the average crystallite size was studied by Powder XRD. Zinc doping was confirmed by EDAX. The TEM study indicated that pure and Zn doped CPPD nanoparticles were in the range from 4 nm to 40 nm. The presence of various bonds was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy. The amount of water of hydration and the thermal stability was studied by thermo-gravimetry. Formation of other phases on heating CPPD at C and C were identified by the powder XRD. Substitution of Zn content significantly affects the crystallinity and thermal stability of nanoparticles. The results are discussed.