Gamma-radiation-induced changes in structure and properties of tetracalcium phosphate and its derived calcium phosphate cement.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the gamma-radiation effect on the structure and properties of the single-phase tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) powder and its derived calcium phosphate cement (CPC). Experimental results show that low-dosed (0-30 kGy) CPC has a setting time of 10-12 min, while high-dosed (40-120 kGy) CPC has a setting time of 8-10 min. The low dose gamma-radiation does not significantly change porosity volume fraction or compressive strength of the CPC. The pH values of all CPC samples fell in a relatively narrow band, with a band width of 8.5-9.1 (in terms of pH value). With a dose of 10 or 20 kGy gamma-radiation, the TTCP-apatite conversion ratio does not change much. With 30 kGy the conversion ratio significantly increases and reaches a maximum value. With further increases in dose, the conversion ratio quickly declines. With increasing gamma-ray dose, the CPC morphology becomes more porous/loose and apatite particles become larger in size. When exposed to a high dose (120 kGy) of gamma-radiation, TTCP structure is radiation-damaged, and gamma-ray-induced formation of apatite is confirmed by transmission electron microscopic/selected-area diffraction/lattice imaging analyses. 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.