Synthesis, characterization and bioactivity investigation of bioglass/hydroxyapatite composite

Bioactive glass of the type CaO–P2O5–SiO2 was obtained by the sol–gel processing method. The obtained material was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). Composite samples of hydroxyapatite with synthesized bioglass were prepared at 1000°C and characterized by XRD, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and surface electron microscopy (SEM). The bioactivity was examined in vitro with respect to the ability of hydroxyapatite layer to form on the surface as a result of contact with simulated body fluid (SBF). XRD, FTIR and SEM studies were conducted before and after contact of the material with SBF. It could be detected that the bioglass was crystallized partly. Furthermore, silicated hydroxyapatite may have formed due to the diffusion of silicate groups to the apatite phase and these may have substituted for the phosphate groups. It can be concluded from SEM and FTIR results that apatite phase formed after 14 days in SBF.