Magnesium-substituted calcium phosphate cements with (Ca + Mg)/P = 2

Abstract

The introduction of magnesium ions into bone calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) increases the strength and biodegradation rate of the materials. Cement powders with the (Ca + Mg)/P ratio of 2 and the degree of magnesium substitution for calcium of 0, 10, 20, and 40 wt % were used in the study. Sodium phosphate-based solutions were used as the cement fluids. Depending on the magnesium content, CPCs based on magnesium-substituted apatite and whitlockite phases were obtained. The phase composition, setting time, strength, and microstructure of the cements were determined. An increase in the acidity of the cement liquid was found to give cements with a greater content of amorphous phase and more homogeneous structure, resulting in higher strength.