FORMATION OF A NEW BIOACTIVE GLASS-CERAMIC

A new bioactive glass-ceramic with a nominal composition of CaO (54.5), MgO (6.0), SiO2 (32.8), P2O5 (6.1) and CaF2 (0.6), by weight ratio, has been developed, The crystalline phases termed hydroxyfluoroxyapatite, akermanite, and wollastonite were found to be present simultaneously at a temperature of 930-degrees-C. Furthermore, no cracks appear after the bulk glass is crystallized. This newly developed glass ceramic has an average flexural strength of 233 MPa and a fracture toughness of 2.95 MPa m1/2, which are higher values than for dense hydroxyapatite and known glass-ceramic. An apatite layer containing Ca, P and Si is formed on the surface after the glass-ceramic is soaked in a simulated body fluid for a short period of time, which is indicative of a high bioactivity.