Hydroxyapatite–tricalcium phosphate–bioactive glass ternary composites

Abstract

In this work hydroxyapatite, β-tricalcium phosphate and a new bioactive glass have been used to produce ternary composites for orthopedic applications. Thanks to the particular properties of the glass, whose formulation delays the devitrification processes at high temperature, sintering the composites at a relatively low temperature (800°C) has been possible. In this way, two basic aims have been reached, since the glass preserved its amorphous nature and the reactions between the constituent phases were substantially reduced. Moreover, the ternary composites had a dense and uniform microstructure, which resulted in good mechanical properties (Vickers micro-hardness: 280±22HV; elastic modulus: 28.7±3.6GPa). In vitro tests confirmed the apatite-forming ability of the composites soaked in a Simulated Body Fluid (SBF). Basing on the obtained results, the new ternary composites represent an intriguing alternative to conventional biomedical materials whenever a controlled bone-bonding rate is required.