Long-term water sorption and solubility of experimental bioactive composites based on amorphous calcium phosphate and bioactive glass.

The aim of this study was to evaluate water sorption and solubility of two series of experimental composites containing amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) or bioactive glass (BG). Water sorption and solubility were measured for up to 287 days. The surface precipitation of calcium phosphates was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The ACP-series showed higher water sorption (223-568 mu g/mm(3)) than the BG-series (40-232 mu g/mm(3)). In contrast, the ACP-series had generally lower solubility (37-106 mu g/mm(3)) than the BG-series (1-506 mu g/mm(3)). The constant specimen mass for the ACP-series was attained after 14 days of water immersion, while the mass decrease due to long-term solubility in the BG-series lasted beyond 287 days. Calcium phosphates precipitated in composites with the BG filler loading of 10 wt% or more, as well as in all of the ACP-containing composites. The experimental composite series showed water sorption and solubility considerably higher than commercial materials.