Preparation and characterization of bioactive sol-gel-derived Na2Ca2Si3(O)9.

In this study, pure Na2Ca2Si3(O)9 was synthesized by a sol-gel method, and Na2Ca2Si3(O)9 cuboids and disks were prepared by uniaxial pressing and calcining at 700 degrees C. The porosity and mechanical strength of the Na2Ca2Si3(O)9 cuboids were measured, and the results showed that the Na2Ca2Si3(O)9 cuboids were porous with an average porosity of 44%, and the 3-point bending strength of the cuboids was 6.08 MPa. The in vitro bioactivity of Na2Ca2Si3(O)9 was carried out by soaking Na2Ca2Si3(O)9 disks in simulated body fluid (SBF). The results showed that hydroxyapatite (HA) formed on the surface of Na2Ca2Si3(O)9 samples after soaking for 1 day, which indicated good bioactivity of Na2Ca2Si3(O)9.