Particle size effect of metastable calcium phosphates on crushing strength of self-setting bioactive calcium phosphate cement.

The resistance to crushing after a self-setting bioactive calcium phosphate cement, consisting of various particle sizes of tetracalcium phosphate (TECP), dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) and hydroxyapatite (HAP), had hardened was tested after setting at 37 degrees C, 100% RH. X-ray diffraction suggested that the cement containing fine particles of DCPD and TECP was completely transformed to HAP, but that containing larger particles was not. Since particle size of both DCPD and TECP affected the dissolution rate, the crystal growth of HAP during cement formation depended on the specific surface area (Sw) of the raw materials. The crushing strength of the cement after hardening increased with an increase of its Sw.