Influence of liquid phase on physical properties of the new triphasic bone cement

Purpose: The aim of this work was to develop a new bone cement based on hydroxyapatite (HAp), βTCP and calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH) and to determine the influence of a liquid phase, used for cement pastes preparation, on physical properties of the final implant material.Design/methodology/approach: The powder phase consisting of CSH (60 wt.%) and HAp+ βTCP (40 wt.%) was applied. Composite samples were prepared using distilled water, chitosan and methylcellulose solutions as the liquid phases. Rheological properties of the solutions were measured by Brookfield rheometer. Initial and final setting times of the cement pastes were determined. Phase composition of hardened bodies was established using XRD method. Microstructure was investigated by SEM while pore size distribution by mercury porosimetry. Compressive strength was measured by Instron Universal Testing Machine.Findings: According to the conducted rheological measurements of the methylcellulose and chitosan solutions as well as evaluated cement pastes and hardened bodies properties, the optimal setting liquids were chosen.Research limitations/implications: The evaluation of a biological response to the developed materials, including in vitro and in vivo experiments, need to be done.Practical implications: The possibility of creation the physical properties of setting in vivo composites, designed for filling bone defects, via establishing the suitable liquid phase was confirmed.Originality/value: The new composite type triphasic bone substitute, based on CSH, HAp and βTCP, with superior resorbability in comparison to the commercially available calcium phosphate bone cements was developed. The influence of liquid phase on the microstructure and mechanical strength of this implant material was determined.