Microstructural development and in vitro bioactivity of luminescent Eu doped monticellite based ceramics as multifunctional bone graft substitutes

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the present study, the effects of Eu content and sintering temperature on microstructural development and in vitro bioactive characteristic of Eu-doped monticellite-based ceramics prepared using boron derivative waste were investigated. Spherical closed porosities with a diameter below 20 μm were observed on cross-section of all ceramics. The increment of Eu content from 1% to 10% resulted in narrower size distribution of closed porosities. The increasing of sintering temperature from 900°C to 1000°C allowed amorphisation of crystalline phases and the replacement of them into porosities. In vitro bone-like apatite formation ability altered by surface feature and sintering temperature, regardless of Eu content. The ceramics sintered at 1000°C for 2 h have desired bioactive response allowing formation of dense bone-like apatite layer on the surface. Therefore, 10% Eu-doped monticellite-based ceramics achieved in an eco-friendly route have potential to be used as multifunctional bone graft substitutes for biolabeling applications.