title: Calcium phosphate cements: study of the beta-tricalcium phosphate--monocalcium phosphate system.
abstract: The possibility of making cements based on beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP), a promising bone graft material, was investigated. Upon admixture with water, beta-TCP/monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM) mixtures were found to set and harden like conventional hydraulic cements. Beta-TCP powders with larger particle size, obtained by sintering at higher temperatures, increased the ultimate strength of the cement. Results show that setting occurs after dissolution of MCPM, as a result of the precipitation of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) in the paste. The ultimate tensile strength of the hardened cement is proportional to the amount of DCPD formed. Upon ageing above 40 degrees C, DCPD transforms progressively into anhydrous dicalcium phosphate (DCP), thereby decreasing the strength. Ageing of the pastes in 100% r.h. results in a decay of the mechanical properties. This can be ascribed to an intergranular dissolution of the beta-TCP aggregates as a result of the pH lowering brought about by the MCPM to DCPD conversion.
authors: Université Catholique de Louvain, Unité de Chimie des Interfaces, Belgium.
authors: A A
authors: AA
authors: Mirtchi
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Lemaitre
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Terao
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001843:Bone Cements; D002130:Calcium Phosphates; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D008422:Materials Testing; D013718:Tensile Strength
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001843:Bone Cements; D002130:Calcium Phosphates; C485817:beta-tricalcium phosphate; C018392:tricalcium phosphate