In-situ observation on the transformation of calcium phosphate cement into hydroxyapatite

In the present study, the in-situ transformation of calcium phosphate cement into hydroxyapatite (HAp) within the first hour is monitored with a synchrotron X-ray beam. A disodium hydrogen phosphate solution is used as cement liquid to activate the reaction between dicalcium phosphate anhydrous (DCPA) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). The XRD analysis indicates that the amounts of DCPA and Ca(OH)2 first decrease within the first min of the reaction. Then, the intensity of DCPA's XRD peaks starts to increase instead in the period of 5 to 20 min. After 20 min, the DCPA particles are consumed slowly to form fine HAp particles. Large pores are evident upon the completion of reaction.