In vitro characterisation and microstructure of B ₂ O ₃ /P ₂ O ₅ doped bioactive spodumene glass–ceramics

AbstractGlasses with compositions of (100−X−Y)Li2O.Al2O3.4SiO2+XB2O3+YP2O5 where X=0–2.5 and Y=0–10 (wt-%) were melted in a platinum crucible at 1500°C with air as the furnace atmosphere. The green compact pellets were prepared and fired at 500°C. The samples were sintered in air atmosphere at selected temperatures in the range of 750–900°C for up to 20 h. It has been found that the addition of B2O3 and P2O5 has a remarkable effect on the amount of β spodumene (β-S), relative to high quartz solid solution (h-QSS). The glass ceramics that contain appropriate amounts of B2O3 and P2O5 promise good sinterability at temperature as low as 850°C. There were two major types of phase transformation in the present investigation: crystallisation of the present glass to a metastable h-QSS and subsequent transformation from h-QSS to a stable β-S. In vitro test revealed that the spodumene glass ceramic is much more durable in human body fluid. It is further observed that the addition of B2O3 and P2O5 enhanced the chemical durability of glass ceramics.Keywords: SPODUMENEGLASS-CERAMICSBIOACTIVE