Fluoridated apatites mechanical properties

Substitutions in the HA structure are possible. Substitutions for Ca, PO4, and OH groups result in changes in the lattice parameter as well as changes in some of the properties of the crystal, such as solubility. If the OH" groups in HA are replaced by F" the anions are closer to the neighboring Ca " ions. This substitution helps to further stabilize the structure and is proposed as one of the reasons that fluoridation helps reduce tooth decay as shown by the study of the incorporation of F into HA and its effect on solubility. Biological apatites, which are the mineral phases of bone, enamel, and dentin, are usually referred to as HA. Actually, they differ from pme HA in stoichiometry, composition, and crystallinity, as well as in other physical and mechanical properties, as shown in Table 35.7. Biological apatites are usually Ca deficient and are always carbonate substituted (COs) " for (P04). For... 

Human teeth are also composed primarily of biological apatite. The outer two layers of a human tooth consist of enamel on the outside and dentine underneath that. Dentine and bones are very similar in composition and mechanical properties, but enamel is almost pure hydroxyapatite, Ca5(P04)30H. Dental enamel is the hardest part of the human body. In addition, the hardness of dental enamel is enhanced by the presence of fluoride ions in place of the hydroxides. (Thus we see... 

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