Erik M. Rivera (1), J.R. Daz-Estrada(1), J. Rogelio Rodrguez+ (1), R. Hernndez (1), M. Araiza (2), Witold Brostow (3) and V. M. Castao* (1)

(1) Instituto de Fsica, Universidad Nacional Autnoma de Mxico, Apdo. Postal 0-1010, Quertaro, 76001, Mexico 
(2) Facultad de Odontologa, Universidad Nacional Autnoma de Mxico, Ciudad Universitaria, Mxico, D.F. 04510, Mexico 
(3) Department of Materials Science, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203-5310, USA 

ABSTRACT

A novel procedure to produce porous hydroxyapatite from eggshells is reported. The process is carried out at an elevated temperature. Hydroxyapatite is the only apatite present in the reaction products, apart from minute fractions of certain other calcium compounds. The final product is characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.