Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

11:51
An Improved Mechanical Testing Method to Assess Bone-implant Anchorage
Published on: February 10, 2014
In situ study on the curing process of calcium phosphate bone cement
Yuxing Song1, Zude Feng, Ting Wang
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China.
Journal of Materials Science. Materials in Medicine
|February 6, 2007
Summary
This study monitored calcium phosphate bone cement (CPC) curing, revealing apatite formation occurs in two steps. The liquid phase significantly influences the reaction, with acidic conditions inhibiting complete apatite conversion.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Materials Chemistry
- Crystallography
Background:
- Calcium phosphate bone cements (CPCs) are vital for bone regeneration.
- Understanding the curing process and the role of the liquid phase is crucial for optimizing CPC performance.
- Modified alpha-TCP cement was investigated to elucidate its curing mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively track the curing process of modified alpha-TCP cement.
- To investigate the influence of different aqueous liquid phases on the cement's curing reaction.
- To correlate chemical and physical changes during CPC setting.
Main Methods:
- In situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) for chemical reaction monitoring.
- pH testing to track changes in the local environment.
- Quantitative ultrasonic measurement (QUS) to assess physical property evolution.
- Analysis of speed of sound (SOS) and ultrasonic attenuation coefficient (UAC).
Main Results:
- CPC powders were fully consumed within 72 hours.
- Apatite formation proceeded in two distinct steps: initial carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) precipitation followed by calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) conversion.
- The presence of NaH2PO4 as a liquid phase inhibited complete apatite conversion due to an acidic environment.
- Ultrasonic parameters (SOS and UAC) quantitatively reflected apatite formation and microstructural changes, correlating with the transition from paste to solid.
- The curing mechanism followed a dissolution-precipitation model.
Conclusions:
- The liquid phase composition critically affects the extent of apatite formation in CPCs.
- Quantitative ultrasonic measurements provide valuable insights into the kinetics and mechanisms of CPC curing.
- Modified alpha-TCP cements exhibit a two-step apatite formation process governed by dissolution-precipitation.
Related Concept Videos
Hydration of Cement
Hydration of cement is a chemical reaction between cement particles and water. This process occurs primarily through two mechanisms: through-solution and topochemical. In the through-solution process, anhydrous compounds dissolve into their constituents, hydrates form in the solution, and then precipitate from the supersaturated solution. The topochemical process involves solid-state reactions at the cement particle surface. The through-solution process dominates the topochemical process at the...
Porosity in Cement Paste
The porosity of concrete is a measure of the void spaces within its structure. These spaces impact its strength and durability significantly. When water and cement interact, a chemical reaction called hydration creates a semi-solid paste. This paste includes combined water, making up approximately 23% of the cement's dry mass, and gel water, which fills minuscule voids known as gel pores, accounting for about 28% of the cement gel volume.
The balance of water to cement in the mix is critical—it...
The balance of water to cement in the mix is critical—it...
Soundness of Cement
The soundness of cement refers to the ability of cement paste to retain its volume after setting. Unsound cement can lead to expansion and structural damage due to the presence of free lime, magnesia, and calcium sulfate. Free lime hydrates very slowly, expanding and causing unsoundness, which is difficult to detect because it intercrystallizes with other compounds. Magnesia also reacts with water, forming crystals that can disrupt the cement's structure. Calcium sulfate can create ettringite,...
Setting Time of Cement
The setting time of cement refers to the process of cement paste transitioning from a plastic state to a solid state. This process is crucial in construction as it dictates the timeframe for concrete placement, compaction, and finishing. The onset of this solidification is termed the initial set, indicating when the paste becomes unworkable. The final set is when the paste has solidified completely, and further handling or manipulation can no longer affect its shape. The cement strength is...
Accelerated Curing of Concrete
Accelerating concrete curing is achieved by applying heat and additional moisture. This process accelerates the hydration of the cement, resulting in an earlier strength gain in the concrete. Steam curing is a method wherein the concrete products are either transported through a chamber on a conveyor belt or encased in plastic, allowing steam at atmospheric pressure to circulate freely around them. This process begins with a phase of moist curing that typically lasts between 3 to 5 hours, after...
Curing of Concrete
The hydration of cement takes place within the water-filled capillary pores. However, environmental elements can disrupt this process by evaporating water from the concrete surfaces. Sealed concrete with a water-cement ratio below 0.5 experiences self-desiccation, leading to water loss. The water loss in concrete is mitigated by curing. This technique involves keeping the concrete saturated to maintain the necessary temperature and moisture conditions, to optimally fill the spaces in the cement...

