Effects of silica addition on the chemical, mechanical and biological properties of a new α-tricalcium phosphate/tricalcium silicate cement

Abstract

The addition of tricalcium silicate (C3S) to apatite cements results in an increase of bioactivity and improvement in the mechanical properties. However, adding large amounts raises the local pH at early stages, which retards the precipitation of hydroxyapatite and produces a loss of mechanical strength. The introduction of Pozzolanic materials in cement pastes could be an effective way to reduces basicity and enhance their mechanical resistance; thus, the effect of adding silica on the chemical, mechanical and biological properties of α-tricalcium phosphate/C3S cement was studied. Adding silica produces a reduction in the early pH and a decrease in setting times; nevertheless, the presence of more calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) delays the growth of hydroxyapatite crystals and consequently, reduces early compressive strength. The new formulations show a good bioactivity, but higher cytotoxicity than traditional cements and additions higher than 2.5% of SiO2 cause a lack of mechanical strength and an elevated degradability.