EFFECT OF SILICA IN CALCIUM PHOSPHATE MATERIAL FOR BIOMEDICAL APPLICATION

Abstract

Calcium phosphate bioceramic materials has been widely used in medical field due to their compounds which have similarities with natural bone and teeth. Despite of these materials, silica was introduced in order to improve bioactivity level of the material. In this paper, biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) was synthesized using calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)­₂) and orthophosphoric acid (H­₃PO­₄) as chemical precursors at Ca/P ratio 1.60 via wet chemical technique. Additionally silicon dioxide (SiO₂) at 3 and 5 wt% was added into the mixture before proceeding with spray drying process. Apatite powder obtained after spray drying process was pressed into discs and sintered at 950^oC to obtain biphasic mixture. Sintered Si-BCP discs were immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) for predetermined time. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images revealed that dissolution and precipitation of Si-BCP with 5% Si content occurred at day 3, while BCP without Si addition started at day 21. Formation of apatite crystal was observed on the surface of the samples. Due to this, Si-BCP has potential to be developed for quick healing medical application.