Calcium phosphate cement makes a suitable material to be used for craniofacial andorthopedic repairs because of its biocompatibility,bioresorbability and quick setting properties.These materials have an advantage over polymers and metals in that they are non-toxic andlightweight.However,the low strength of calcium phosphate prohibits its use in stress bearingbone joints.This study investigates the improvements in mechanical properties of calciumphosphate cement by reinforcements.Monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (Aldrich Chemicals,Milwaukee,WI)and p-tricalcium phosphate,synthesized by the organic steric entrapmentmethod,were the primary components of the cement.Upon setting the cement transformed intobrushite.P-TCP and cement after setting,were analyzed by X-ray analysis,EDS.Two differenttypes of reinforcements were used,namely,(a)chopped hydroxyapatite (HA)fibers,and (b)borosilicate glass spheres.Rod shaped particles (less than 500 μm in length)were made bychopping the sintered HA fibers (about 115-120 μm in diameter).Borosilicate glass spheres,prepared by glass melting methods,had diameters in the range of 25 to 70 μm.Samples wereprepared with different weight fractions of the reinforcements,and tested both in flexure andcompression mode.Effects of size,shape,and weight fraction of the inclusions on the strength ofthe biocomposite are discussed.
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