We report a novel chemical precipitation route for the synthesis of hydroxyapatite (Ca-10(PO4)(6)(OH)(2), HA) fibers using surfactants as templates. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) reveal the characteristic peaks of HA. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and high-resolution TEM revealed the nano structure, crystallinity and morphology of the HA fibers. The morphology of the HA fibers after calcinations were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Br- ions were quickly replaced by the excess PO43- ions in the solution after the addition of cetyltrime-thylammonium bromide (CTAB). Meanwhile, CTAB formed a rod-like micelles. Precursors reacted with PO43- at the surface of CTAB micelles and finally formed the nanofiber structure. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.