Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance study of setting mechanism of β-tricalcium phosphate—inositol phosphate composite cements

Abstract

Abstract Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a technique, which can be used to provide insight into the chemical structure of non-crystalline and crystalline materials. Hence, the present study aimed to elucidate the setting mechanism of CPC, which was fabricated using β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP)—inositol phosphate (IP6) composite powder using NMR In addition, the effect of IP6 on the local chemical structure of the β-TCP-IP6 composite powder and its hardened cement would also be investigated. The 1H→31P heteronuclear correlation NMR spectrum revealed that an amorphous hydrated layer, along with small amount of hydroxyapatite (HA) was formed on the surface of β-TCP during the ball-milling process. Results demonstrated that the IP6 in the hydrated layer on the surface of β-TCP inhibited the formation of HA. Moreover, the setting reaction of the cement was mainly triggered by the dissolution of the amorphous hydrated layer on β-TCP surface, and subsequent precipitation, followed by the inter-entanglement between the HA crystals on the β-TCP.