Influence of biomimetic immersion on compressive strength of calcium phosphate cement

A kind of calcium phosphate cement tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP)/anhydrous dicalcium phosphate (DCPA) was prepared by using physiological saline as cement liquid, and the mechanism of biomimetic immersion impaction on compressive strength of hardened body was investigated. Results show that the average compressive strength of the calcium phosphate cement samples soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 3 d is (103.9 ± 4.7) MPa, and the maximum value reaches to 115 MPa. The values approaches to the compressive strength of human long bone (106-133 MPa), which provides the possibility to repair the load-bearing bones by calcium phosphate cement (CPC) for human body. Results from X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope indicate that the residual TTCP particles, the porosity structure and the final hydration product have combined effects on the compressive strength of hardened body.