A bioactive Ca2SiB2O7 ceramics and in vitro hydroxyapatite mineralization ability in SBF

Calcium borosilicate Ca2SiB2O7 ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction. The detailed crystal structure of the as-prepared ceramics was investigated by X-ray diffraction and structural refinements studies. The mechanical properties were measured by the bending strength and elastic modulus. In vitro hydroxyapatite mineralization ability was investigated by soaking the ceramics in simulated body fluid (SBF) at temperature 37 °C for various time periods. HA needles can be easily in vitro induced when the ceramics were soaked in SBF solutions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction patterns and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis were applied to investigate the samples before and after immersion in SBF solutions. The elemental compositions of a hydroxyapatite layer on the surface of ceramics during mineralization were confirmed by X-ray energy-dispersive spectra (EDS). The in vitro mineralization ability was discussed on the base of the structural characteristics of Ca2SiB2O7 ceramic such as the silanol (Si-OH), B-OH groups and pentagonal tunnels and layered structure. The results confirmed that Ca2SiB2O7 ceramics possess good bioactivity and mechanical properties.