Physicochemical Properties Comparison of Hydroxyapatite After the Ball Milling Process

¹ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Jawa Tengah, 50275, Indonesia
² Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Gunung pati, Semarang, 50229, Indonesia.

^* Corresponding author: widiwidayat@mail.unnes.ac.id

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is widely used in various medical applications. Research on HA particle size has been extensively conducted because it affects its biological and mechanical properties. Smaller HA particle sizes can enhance biological activity, improve cell adhesion, and increase mechanical strength. However, in relation to osteoclasts, it has been found that submicron-sized HA particles can better influence osteoclast formation and function compared to smaller ones. One technique used to reduce HA particle size is ball milling. This technique is applied to decrease hydroxyapatite particle size, synthesize HA, or even simultaneously combine HA with other materials. In this study, HA derived from green mussel shells was milled using the dry ball milling method. The vial load consisted of HA powder and steel balls with a diameter of 10 mm, with a ball-to-powder weight ratio of 5:1. The samples were analyzed using PSA, FTIR, and SEM to determine particle size, chemical composition, and morphology. After 28 hours of milling, the HA particle size reduced to 576.1 nm. The smaller particles were observed to be granular in shape and evenly dispersed. FTIR analysis revealed that milling did not affect the functional chemical groups, whereas XRD analysis showed changes in the HA composition.