Nanoparticle hydroxyapatite was prepared by a wet chemical precipitation method. The effects of different synthesis conditions, I.e. Contents of reagents (0.2, 0.5 and 0.8 mol/L), reaction temperatures (20, 37, 55 and 75℃) and reaction time (0-24 h),were studied based on crystallization process analysis and the effects of washing methods (with water or alcohol) were also studied.Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron diffraction (ED) and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP) were used to characterize the powders. Chemical analysis shows that the purity of the precipitated hydroxyapatite largely depends on reaction time. X-ray diffraction and TEM micrographs results show that reaction temperature is a key factor affecting crystallinity, morphology and particle size. Degree of supersaturation and stirring also affects the crystallization. Particles are in a shape of short rod and have a size of 20-40 nm in length at 20℃ and 37℃,but acicular morphology and a size of 150-170 nm in length at 75C. Particles are monocrystalline at 20℃ and 37℃, and are polycrystalline at 55℃ and 75℃. The results show that stoichiometry hydroxyapatite with controlled particle size, morphology and crystallinity can be obtained by carefully controlling the reaction conditions.
