Effect of Alumina Addition on 45S5 Bioglass

Abstract

Bioglass is particularly recognized for its excellent biocompatibility and bioactive traits. Also it is prominently known for its bone bonding capability. One of the chief applications of bioglass is as an artificial bone graft meant for orthopaedic as well as periodontal purpose. Even though it is a promising material but due to the poor mechanical properties as compared to cortical bone, its use has been restricted. Along with poor mechanical properties, 45S5 crystallizes rapidly when it is heated above T_g; as a result its bioactivity is decreased. A possible solution towards this problem is addition of alumina in the glass structure.

In this communication, effect of alumina addition on 45S5 has been reported. The alumina was added in 5, 2.5 and 1 wt% to the 45S5 composition by adjusting with silica content, during preparation via the sol-gel route. The samples so prepared were characterized using XRD, FESEM, bioactivity tests using simulated body fluid (SBF) and mechanical tests by universal testing machine (UTM). The modification in the composition of 45S5 has been done in order to increase the temperature range between glass transition and crystallization. The addition of alumina was also preferred in order to enhance the mechanical properties so that application of 45S5 can be broadened in the field of orthopaedic as well as periodontal.

Keywords:

• Bioglass
• Alumina
• T_g
• Crystallization
• Bioactivity