Production and characterization of BN and BaTiO₃ doped hydroxyapatite bio-piezoceramics

Bone tissue exhibits natural piezoelectric properties. Based on these properties, biomaterials that enhance electric signals are developed. Surface electric charges generate, ionic effects increased cell proliferation, exhibit antibacterial effects, support bone regeneration, and improve mechanical strength. This study, investigating piezoelectric properties of boron nitride (BN) and barium titanate (BaTiO₃) doped hydroxyapatite (HAp) matrices, and biomaterials with enhanced functional properties were produced. HAp, was produced through the sol-gel method, and composite structures containing different amounts of BN and BaTiO₃ were prepared. The obtained mechanical test results indicate that the composites exhibited better mechanical strength than pure HAp. The composite with 80% BaTiO₃ and 20% HAp showed the highest mechanical strength. XRD analysis showed a peak at 45.7°, corresponding to BaTiO₃, indicating its positive effect on piezoelectricity. The most suitable crystallite sizes among the BaTiO₃ ratios were found in the compositions with 60% and 80% by weight, with an average size calculated as 32.6 nm. According to the literature, this size corresponds to a proper nanoscale crystal. In addition to structural properties, biocompatibility positively affected piezoelectric performance. SEM analysis showed that increasing BaTiO₃ content decreased porosity and improved mechanical properties. Additionally, SEM images of HAp composites with 10 wt% BN showed that BN particles were homogeneously distributed within the matrix, porosity decreased, and this structural change improved mechanical strength.