Effect of ZrO2 on the bioactive properties of B2O3–SiO2–P2O5–Na2O–CaO glass system

• Bioactive boro silica phosphate glasses mixed with ZrO2 are developed.
• Bioactivity of the glasses is studied by immersing them in SBF solution.
• XRD, SEM and spectroscopic studies are carried out.
• The analysis of results indicated the formation of HA layer on the glass surface.
• Bioactive nature is found to be higher with low content of ZrO2.

Boro silica phosphate glasses with Na2O and CaO as modifiers, mixed with different concentrations of ZrO2 are developed by melt-quenching technique. Simulated body fluid (SBF) solution with pH 7.2 was prepared by the Kokobo method. The prepared glasses were immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution for a period of 30 days. The weight loss and the pH of the residual solution are carried out at specific intervals during this period. The post-immersed samples are characterized by XRD and SEM techniques. These studies confirm the formation of crystalline hydroxyapatite layer (HA) on the surface of the glasses. For understanding the influence of ZrO2 on the magnitude of HA layer formation and degradability of the samples, the spectroscopic studies viz. optical absorption and IR spectral studies on post- and pre-immersed samples were undertaken. The results of spectroscopic studies, coupled with bioactive studies, are analyzed as a function of ZrO2 concentration. The analysis indicated that the glasses containing low quantities of ZrO2 exhibit better bioactive characteristics.