CaCO3/Ca-P biphasic materials prepared by microwave processing of natural aragonite and calcite

The purpose of this study was to prepare CaCO3/Ca-P biphasic or composite materials using microwave technology. Particles of coral (natural aragonite) and a porous limestone (natural calcite) were suspended in phosphate solutions of different pH and concentrations and heated for different periods (up to 5 hrs) using a domestic microwave. Parallel experiments were carried out using hydrolysis method. Higher extents of transformation were observed with microwave processed materials. Depending on the reaction pH and reaction period, partial transformation of aragonite (coral) or calcite (limestone) to acidic calcium (monetite) or basic (carbonatehydroxyapatite, CHA) calcium phosphates was achieved.