Study of the hydrothermal transformation of wood-derived calcium carbonate into 3D hierarchically organized hydroxyapatite

The biomorphic conversion was investigated in depth under hydrothermal treatment at low temperatures and with different phosphate solutions. A kinetic approach was used to follow the rates and mechanisms of transformation. Diffusion controlled process and nuclei-one dimensional growth of hydroxyapatite were defined. The results showed the successful transformation, which was accomplished after 96 h in basic pH conditions at temperatures ranging between 20 and 60 degrees C.

The aim of this work was to achieve a procedure that could totally transform calcium carbonate template derived from wood (Calamus Manna or rattan) into a biomimetic hydroxyapatite scaffold, yet preserving its original hierarchical architecture.