Amorphous calcium phosphate nano-powders made from radio frequency (RF) plasma spraying

Predominantly amorphous nano powders of calcium phosphate were produced by radio frequency (RF) plasma and subsequently characterised by SEM, TEM and XRD. Quantitative phase analysis was carried out by the Rietveld method. The starting feedstock was comprised of hydroxyapatite (HA) powders spray dried from a suspension. The input parameters were varied to produce predominantly amorphous calcium phosphate powders. Results showed that as the plate power was increased and the flow rate of feedstock was decreased the as-sprayed powders produced were predominantly amorphous. The average particle size of the powders was about 20-40 nm, depending on process parameters, as confirmed by TEM observation. These powders are thought to have excellent bio-resorbability and are targetted for use in gene and drug delivery technologies. These nano-sized powders are also envisioned to enhance the mechanical properties of bulk products sintered by appropriate techniques.