The present invention provides a composition and method of producing
nano-composite powder consisting essentially of hydroxyapatite (HA) and
zirconium oxide (ZrO2). The method comprises the steps of reacting
orthophosphoric acid with calcium hydroxide to form a HA suspension,
adding ZrO2 suspension to the HA suspension to form a composite
feedstock, and subjecting the composite feedstock to Radio Frequency (RF)
Plasma Spraying to form the nano-composite powder. Quantity of the
zirconium oxide suspension added is in the range of 10 to 40 weight % of
the composite feedstock. The nano-composite powder comprises 60-90 wt %
calcium hydroxyapatite, 10-40 wt % zirconium oxide and traces of calcium
phosphate.