Comparison of the effects of added α - and β- Tricalcium phosphate on the basic properties of apatite cement

Effects of added α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) and β-TCP were investigated to shed light on the setting reaction of apatite cement (AC) consisting of tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) and dicalcium phosphate anhydrous8 (DCPA). Added β-TCP showed no reactivity, and thus resulted in extended setting time and decreased mechanical strength. In contrast, α-TCP dissolved to supply calcium and phosphate ions after initial apatite crystal formation by the reaction of TTCP and DCPA. Although setting time was delayed because α-TCP was involved only in the latter reaction of apatite cement, larger apatite crystals were formed due to its addition. As a result of larger apatite crystal formation, the mechanical strength of α-TCP-added apatite cement increased by approximately 30%, as compared to α-TCP-free apatite cement.