Formation of hydroxyapatite in hydrogels from tetracalcium phosphate/dicalcium phosphate mixtures

Apatitic calcium phosphate cements, formed by the ambient reaction of tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) with dicalcium phosphates (DCP), have been recently reported. H2O or dilute aq. H3PO4 (0.2%) is used as the liquid vehicle for this reaction. The aim of this study was to ascertain if hydroxyapatite (HAp) can form in self-cured hydrogel composites containing TTCP/DCP mixes. The setting times (ST) and diametral tensile strengths (DTS) of these hydrogel composites were also determined. The hydrogels were of two types: (1) vinyl thermosets derived from the copolymerization of HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and cross-linking monomers, and (2) polyelectrolyte-based hydrogels formed from aq. poly(alkenoic acids), e.g., poly(acrylic acid). Cylindrical specimens 6 mm D x 3 mm H were prepared and stored in H2O for up to 30 days. The HEMA composites were hardened in 7-15 min by free radical initiation (benzoyl peroxide/tertiary aromatic amine). The polyelectrolyte cements were hardened in 6-8 min. After various periods of storage in H2O at 37 degrees C, some of the specimens were examined by X-ray spectroscopy for HAp. HAp formation was not observed in the HEMA composites even after 30 days of H2O storage but was detected in the polyacid cements. The 24-h DTS values of the HEMA composites (14-26 MPa) were higher than those of the polyacid cements (7-12 MPa). Both the H2O content and pH may thus be factors controlling the rate and extent of HAp formation in hydrogel composites containing TTCP/DCP mixtures.