Atomic scale imaging of hydroxyapatite and brushite in air by force microscopy

Abstract

A method for obtaining atomic scale images of powder samples by force microscopy has been used to determine surface structures of hydroxyapatite and brushite. From isolated hydroxyapatite crystal clusters, two crystal planes have been identified. The 〈001〉 and 〈110〉 spacings obtained agree well with published crystallographic values. Groups of brushite platelets yielded atomic spacings which are presumed to be those of the 〈110〉 crystal plane.