Satish, P.Hadagalli, K.Nowl, M.S.Siddeswara, R.Kalikeri, S.Mandal, S.2026-02-032025Transactions of the Indian Ceramic Society, 2025, 84, 2, pp. 107-1160371750Xhttps://doi.org/10.1080/0371750X.2025.2478425https://idr.nitk.ac.in/handle/123456789/20711The main inorganic component of human hard tissues is hydroxyapatite (HA, Ca<inf>10</inf>(PO<inf>4</inf>)<inf>6</inf>(OH)<inf>2</inf>) and the mechanical and biological performance of HA can be improved by incorporating clay minerals to create HA-clay composite scaffolds. This study demonstrates a high-strength biocomposite of HA and bentonite with a significant reduction of open porosity, considering bentonite clay for its biocompatibility. Prawn shells (Fenneropenaeus indicus - marine resource) were utilized as a sustainable source of calcium to synthesize high-purity HA through a wet-chemical process, offering an innovative approach to valorize bio-waste. HA-bentonite clay composites were made by compacting 10-40 wt% of bentonite clay with HA using uniaxial pressing, followed by sintering at 1100°C for 2 h. Characterization techniques like X-ray diffraction, Raman, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy verified the phases, structures, vibrational bonds and morphology of the synthesized materials. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis were performed for elemental composition and heavy metal detection, respectively. The HA-bentonite (30 wt%) composite achieved an exceptional compressive strength of 155 MPa and an open porosity of 7%, surpassing bare HA. Adding 30% bentonite increased compressive strength six fold and decreased open porosity by 51% compared to bare HA. This novel approach to HA-bentonite scaffolds promises enhanced wear resistance and cellular proliferation in bone tissue engineering. © 2025 Indian Ceramic Society.Atomic emission spectroscopyBentoniteBond strength (materials)BoneCell proliferationClay mineralsCompressive strengthEffluent treatmentEnergy dispersive spectroscopyInductively coupled plasma mass spectrometryPressing (forming)Scaffolds (biology)SinteringBentonite clayClay compositesCompressionHard tissuesHydroxyapatite compositeInorganic componentsMechanical performanceOpen porosityStrengthStrength propertyFourier transform infrared spectroscopy