Single-phase bone cement based on dicalcium phosphate dihydrate powder and sodium silicate solution

Bone cement, based on dicalcium phosphate dihydrate as initial powder and sodium polysilicate solution as hardening liquid, was developed. The apatite phase started to form 3–4 h after the cement preparation. The kinetics of phase transformations during the hardening process was investigated, applying the energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDXRD) technique for real time studies. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopical, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) morphological studies and compressive strength test were carried out.

► The single-phase bone cement, starting from simple initial reagents, such as DCPD and the sodium polysilicate hardening liquid was obtained.
► The apatite phase is started to form at 3-4 h after the cement preparation.
► The hardening process is complex and it is included several stages.