Strength and Bioactivity of Hydroxyapatite/White Portland Cement (HAp/WPC) under Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) Solution

Abstract

In this study, the effects of curing white Portland cement (WPC) and hydroxyapatite mixed with white Portland cement (HAp/WPC) pastes in water and the in vitro biological environment on the compressive strength and bone-like apatite formation were examined. The compressive strength of both WPC and HAp/WPC pastes increased with longer curing periods in water. The compressive strength of WPC and HAp/WPC pastes was 51.88 and 25.67 MPa, respectively, after curing in water for 28 days. The compressive strength of both samples continuously increased during in vitro testing in a simulated body fluid (SBF). After 4 weeks of immersion in a SBF, the strengths of cured WPC and HAp/WPC samples were 59.01 and 28.06 MPa, respectively. It is due to continued hydration of WPC. The addition of HAp to WPC decreased the compressive strength of the sample. Alternatively, it enhanced bone-like apatite formation on the surface of the samples.