Dissolution of Calcium Phosphate Powders with Different Compositions in Simulated Body Fluid

Abstract

Dissolution of calcium phosphate powders with different compositions in simulated body fluid was investigated. Hydroxyapatite (HA) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) powders were synthesized by a precipitation method and by controlling pH of the solution. Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) powders were prepared by mixing the HA and β-TCP powders with ratio of 80:20 and 60:40 in weight % in a planetary mill for 4 h. For dissolution test, 0.5g of each β-TCP, HA and BCP powders were immersed in 50 ml of SBF at 37°C for 3-28 days. HA powders with stoichiometric composition showed no significant morphological change regardless of the immersion time. β-TCP powders were not dissolved in SBF in spite of its high solubility. The surface of BCP powders became rough due to dissolution with increasing immersion time. This surface dissolution gradually extended into the core region of the particles resulting in disintegration of the dense particle into fine crystallites. It may be caused that the milling process during preparation of BCP powders may induce stress concentration or formation of dislocation on the surface of particles.