Development and characterization of carbonate apatite/β-tricalcium phosphate biphasic cement.

Biphasic calcium phosphate consisting of carbonate apatite and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) is an excellent bone substitute with controllable bioresorbability. Fabrication of biphasic calcium phosphate with self-setting ability is expected to enhance the potential of applicability as bone substitute. In this study, mixtures of α-TCP/β-TCP powder after carbonation period 1, 3, and 5 h with 1.0 M NaHCO 3 were prepared. These powders were mixed with 0.25 M Na 2 HPO 4 at a P/L ratio of 2, and then hardened at 37 °C and 100% RH up to 24 h. XRD patterns and FT-IR spectrum showed that the resulting hardened cement consisted of biphasic carbonate apatite and β-TCP. Diametral tensile strength of the cement decreased with the carbonation period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]