Development, characterization and optimization of a new bone cement based on calcium–strontium aluminates and chitosan-glycerin solution

Bioceramic bone cements are increasingly studied, developed, and improved to become a viable alternative to polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-based cements. In this regard, we aimed to develop a new cement composed of calcium aluminate (C12A7) and strontium aluminate (S3A) powders obtained via solution combustion synthesis (SCS) and chitosan/glycerin solution. The cement properties were optimized through a design of experiments. The approach used in the optimization process was the 2k factorial experimental design with insertion of 3 repetitions of the central point, which resulted in 11 compositions. All compositions were tested to determine the liquid/powder ratio (L/P), final setting time (ST), maximum hydration temperature (Tmax), compressive strength and radiopacity. The results were statistically evaluated by analyzing the effects, Pareto diagram, ANOVA analysis and response surface plot. The models obtained in this study could precisely predict three responses: Tmax, compressive strength, and radiopacity. An optimized composition for possible application as bone cement had an average Tmax of 40.34 °C, compressive strength of 7.75 MPa and radiopacity of 3.76 mm Al, all above the standard requirements.