SOLID-STATE SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MAGNESIUM AND ZINC DOPED TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE

Abstract

The development of bioceramics for structural applications is limited by its toughness and strength. These limitations lead to investigations seeking to improve their mechanical performance by doping similar to those present in human bone and materials that do not generate reactions or toxic elements, such as CO32-, SiO44-, Mg2+, Zn2+, F-, Cl-, Ag+, Na+ y K+. In this context, the present investigation was focused on the synthesis of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) doped with magnesium Mg2+ and zinc Zn2+, by sintering in solid state, adding them in the form of oxides as follows M-1 (1 wt% Mg, 1 wt% Zn), M-4 (4 wt% Mg, 1 wt% Zn) y M-7 (7 wt% Mg, 1 wt% Zn), by mixture of raw materials, calcination at 900°C and sintering at 1200, 1300 and 1400°C. The microstructural characterization was carried out by MEB, compositional by XRD and elemental by EDX, where it was determined that the major phase was β-TCP as proposed and that the change of the β → α-TCP phase is only introduced 1400°C. Additionally, a study of in vitro behavior in simulated body fluid (SBF) was performed, showing the low formation of apatite on the surface during the immersion of 28 days. Finally, a mechanical study was conducted by the diametral compression test on disk specimen diameter 10,0 ± 0,3 mm and thickness 2,8 ± 0,2 mm, where a slight increase compared with phosphates resistance offered commercially observed.