Synthesis of Alpha-Tricalcium Phosphate by Wet Reaction and Evaluation of Mechanical Properties

Abstract

Calcium phosphate cements have bioactivity and osteoconductivity and can be molded and replace portions of bone tissue. The aim of this work was to study the obtainment of α-tricalcium phosphate, the main phase of calcium phosphate cement, by wet reaction from calcium nitrate and phosphoric acid. There are no reports about α-tricalcium phosphate obtained by this method. Two routes of chemical precipitation were evaluated and the use of two calcinations temperatures to obtain the phase of cement. The influence of calcination temperature on the mechanical properties of cement was evaluated. Cement samples were characterized by particle size analysis, X-ray diffraction, mechanical strength and scanning electron microscopy. The results demonstrate the strong influence of synthesis route on the crystalline phases of cement and the influence of concentration of reactants on the product of the reaction, as well as, on the mechanical properties of cement.