Bioactivity Investigations with Calcia Magnesia Based Composites

Abstract

Abstract:The bioactivity and physico-mechanical properties of calcia magnesia based composites developed in this study were investigated. Different composite mixtures containing calcia-magnesia have been processed with the addition of alumina, silica or zircon. These system powders were formed and fired at two different temperatures. The produced composites were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, SEM (scanning electron microscope) equipped with EDS (energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry), density and apparent porosity measurements, mechanical testing and in-vitro evaluation in a SBF (simulated body fluid) solution. The compositions termed "I", "II" and "III" gave clear tendency towards the formation-ability of HA (hydroxyapatite). Composite "1" gave cubic and spindle HA crystallite, while composites "II" and "III" fired at 1,300 and 1,400 °C formed typically "cauliflower" morphology and their evaluated physico-mechanical properties are similar to the properties of human cortical bone. Thus, composites "II" and "III" might be a promising bone implant materials. Beside the bioactivitiy of composite "I", it also contains highly CA (cementing phase) and MA (bioinert) phases, therefore, it might be nominated as a promising bioceramic material especially for different purposes such as scaffold, bone replacement, bone repair and coating.