EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF BETA-TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE FOR USE AS BONE SUBSTITUTE MATERIAL

Beta tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) has received great attention mainly because of its excellent biodegradability. However, synthesis of single phase beta-TCP with controlled properties without affecting the biocompatibility of the ceramic is a challenge. The aim of this research was to synthesize bioresrobable and osteoconductive beta-TCP for use as a bone substitute material and to evaluate the mechanical properties of the ceramic. In this work, a two-step heat treatment process was adopted. Initially, the material was heat-treated at 700 degrees C, and subsequently sintered at different temperatures of 1000, 1100 and 1200 degrees C. It was revealed that the stability of the beta-TCP phase was disrupted when sintered at 1200 degrees C with some formation of alpha-TCP phase. The diametral tensile strength of phasepure beta-TCP sample was found to be about 4.06 MPa and was found to decline in the presence of alpha-TCP phase. Biological cell study showed that the beta-TCP sample is excellent as a substrate for cell attachment, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization, thus demonstrating excellent biocompatibility. This study showed that the beta-TCP exhibited great potential for use as bone substitute materials.