Search

The present work pointed out the effect of adding different concentrations of MnO2 (0.25, 0.50, 1.00 and 2.00 wt%) on the structure and crystallization performance of wollastonite glass. Nominal MnO2-containing wollastonite glass was prepared with the addition of 10% Na2O to decrease the melting temperature through melt quenching technique. The thermal history of glasses indicated that the crystallization temperature was between 864 and 895°C. The heat treating of glasses at ∼900 and 1,100°C gave combeite (Na4Ca4Si6O18), rankinite (Ca3Si2O7), pseudowollastonite (Ca3Si3O9), bustamite (CaMnSi2O6) and cristobalite. The later sample densities increased with the incorporation of MnO2 from 1.88 to 2.24 g/cm3 concomitant with decrease of porosities from 32.59 to 20.83%. The microstructure showed nano-size crystals in rounded, angular or irregular micro-size clusters, whereas after soaking in simulated body fluid for 1 month showed submicron crystals of carbonated calcium phosphate phase. Both fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray delineated the samples’ biocompatibility. Also, the negative zeta potential results enabled bone cell activity. Moreover, the bone healing with complete mineralization was remarked in case of the in vivo implantation of the G0.50 group. These results can be of a great significance in the application of MnO2-containing combeite, rankinite phases for bone treatment and biomedical applications.