Crystal phase of fibrous calcium phosphates prepared with sodium alginate

This study investigated the effects of preparation conditions on the crystal phase of the fired fiber prepared with sodium alginate. Hydroxyapatite, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, hereafter referred to as HA, was only formed in fiber fired at 900 degrees C under proper conditions. There was no significant difference in the crystal phase of the fired fibers prepared using different sodium alginate concentrations and syringe nozzle diameter, although fiber diameters were enlarged with increasing in either. No effects of phosphate type on the crystal phase of the fired fiber were found, but the aging time and the rinsing time had great effects. Sodium calcium phosphate, NaCaPO4, and HA were formed when the aging time was shorter than 5 min. Chlorapatite, Ca5Cl(PO4)3, and HA were formed when the rinsing time was shorter than 3 sec, and HA was formed when the rinsing time was 5 min to 1 hour, beta-TCP, beta-Ca3 (PO4)2, and HA were formed when the rinsing time exceeded 2 weeks.