Single-Component Self-Setting Calcium Phosphate Cement Concept

Single-component, self-setting and injectable calcium phosphate cement (CPC) based on amorphization process of dicalcium phosphate dehydrate (DCPD) is proposed. After preparation of DCPD by wet chemistry, the material was dry milled in an Attritor high energy process (at 400 RPM) during 20 minutes. Experiments were also conducted using a regular ball milling process at 15 and 30h residence time. Amorphization of DCPD confirmed using FTIR, XRD and 31 P solid-states NMR (cross-polarization and decoupling). Upon hydration of amorphized DCPD powder with saline (0.55 ml/g), putty-like consistency produced. The paste hardened in 30 minutes at 37ºC and reached a compressive strength of about 20 MPa. The final product was a low crystalline calcium deficient apatite, similar to the composition and structure of bone mineral.