Solubility of strontium-substituted apatite by solid titration

Solid titration was used to explore the solubility isotherms of partially (Srx-HAp, x=1, 5, 10, 40, 60 mol.%) and fully substituted strontium hydroxyapatite (Sr-HAp). Solubility increased with increasing strontium content. No phase other than strontium-substituted HAp, corresponding to the original titrant, was detected in the solid present at equilibrium; in particular, dicalcium hydrogen phosphate was not detected at low pH. The increase in solubility with strontium content is interpreted as a destabilization of the crystal structure by the larger strontium ion. Carbonated HAp was formed in simulated body fluid containing carbonate on seeding with Sr10-HAp, but the precipitate was strontium-substituted on seeding with Sr-HAp. Strontium-substituted HAp might be usable as a template for the growth of new bone, since nucleation appears to be facilitated.