Preface

This book deals with the synthesis, structure, properties and applications of "sensu lato" apatite and its synthetic analogues. The book is divided into 10 chapters. In the beginning, the minerals from the su‐ pergroup of apatite and their synthetic analogues are presented, including their structure, properties, natural occurrence and utilization. Furthermore, analytical techniques used for the analysis, investiga‐ tion of properties and the structure of apatites are described. Since the structure of apatites is open to the extensive substitution on cationic as well as anionic sites and tends to form solid solutions as well, immense numbers of compounds with the structure of apatite type were prepared and described in current literature. From this point of view, the book provides a basic survey over different types of these compounds, but it is far from exhaustive enumeration and description of all possible combinations. The phosphate rocks, their classification, geological role, mining and beneficiation of phosphate ore are also described. The book continues with a brief description of the utilization of phosphate ore for the pro‐ duction of elemental phosphorus, phosphoric acid and fertilizers. The last two chapters are dedicated to the utilization of phosphorus-bearing compounds and materials, including phosphate ceramics, glass and glass-ceramics, materials for tissue engineering, solid fuel cells, sensors, catalysts, etc.

The overall intent of this book is to provide a comprehensive insight into the structure, properties and utilization of compounds of apatite type and related phosphates. In this respect, the words used by JAFFE (please refer to **Chapters 4** and **9**) are appropriate:

*The apatite group of minerals has been studied from the point of view of the physiologist, biochemist, or soil scien‐ tist, as well as from that of the geologist or mineralogist. Although all these people have had the same problems, they have not always been sufficiently acquainted with each other´s work.*

On behalf of all authors, I hope that this publication holds your interest. If you, as readers, will find published information useful for your work, it will be the nicest reward for us.

> **Petr Ptáček** Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic

#### **Special Thanks**

I wish to thank all the authors working with appetites and related or derived compounds for their ines‐ timable contribution to the book. Moreover, I would like to express my appreciation to HALINA SZKLORZOVÁ for language and grammar corrections.

#### **Acknowledgments**

The book has been supported by the project: Materials Research Centre at FCH BUT – Sustainability and Development, REG LO1211, with financial support from the National Program for Sustainability I (Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic).
