Characterization of calcium aluminate cement phases when in contact with simulated body fluid

Abstract

Recent studies involving the use of calcium aluminate cement (CAC) as a biomaterial are based on commercial products. Improvements can be attained by investigating the properties of their crystalline phases in order to better design the material's composition. Therefore, calcium aluminate phase samples immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) solutions prepared according to Kokubo's (KSBF) and Rigo's (RSBF) methodology had their pH evaluated. The surfaces of these samples were analyzed by SEM, EDX and XRD techniques. The treatment with KSBF did not favor the precipitation of calcium phosphate phases on the surface of CAC phases. On the other hand, in RSBF solution, the pH value attained was higher than for the KSBF one and magnesium phosphate was identified on the surface of CA, C3A and C12A7 samples. Only for CA2, the optimal precipitation condition was attained in RSBF and a surface layer of the hydroxyapatite was detected. Based on its ability of stimulating hydroxyapatite deposition in SBF and other properties, CA2 can be eligible as the most suitable composition for biomedical purposes.