Effect of MnO2 addition on sintering behavior of tricalcium phosphate: Preliminary results

A significant amount of research has been generated on improving the properties of beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP). The sintering behavior of beta-TCP, the resulting microstructure and properties are strongly influenced by several factors as, for example, the processing method, the presence of additives (MgO, SiO2, Li2O, Al2O3) and the presence of alpha and beta crystal structures. The aim of this work was to study the effect of addition of MnO2 on sintering behavior, physical properties and microstructure of tricalcium phosphate (TCP). Powder mixtures of TCP with a fixed concentration of 5wt.% MnO2 were either pressureless sintered or hot-pressed at 1200 or 1250 deg C for 1h. The results obtained (X-ray diffraction, firing shrinkage, porosity and density) explain the effect that addition of MnO2 and sintering processing have on the properties of beta-TCP. The results showed that the incorporation of 5wt.% MnO2 has improved the densification process of the TCP matrix.