Effect of an in vitro environment on compressive strength and apatite formation of white Portland cement

Abstract

The density, porosity and compressive strength of white Portland cement (WPC) samples were evaluated to study their potential for use for bone implant applications. The effects of simulated body fluid (SBF) solution on the compressive strengths of WPC samples were also examined by immersing the sample in an SBF solution. The formation of bone-like apatite on the surface and in the internal structure of the WPC samples after immersion in an SBF solution was investigated. After 28 days of water curing, the compressive strength and porosity of the WPC samples were 51.88 MPa and 41.83%, respectively. The WPC samples tested after immersion in an SBF solution showed an improvement in compressive strength at approximately 13 percent, which is a good indicator for its use as a bone implant material. Bone-like apatite was apparently formed on the surfaces and in the internal structures of WPC samples after 28 days of immersion in an SBF solution. The thickness of the bone-like apatite forming was about 30 µm.

Keywords

• in vitro test
• simulated body fluid
• apatite formation
• physical and mechanical property