Papers by Author: S. Salman

Abstract: The use of bovine hydroxyapatite (BHA) provides an alternative approach in bioceramics based on natural resources, time and cost efficiency. In this study, composites of calcinated bovine derived BHA were utilized. These were doped with known quantities of boron based bioglass (5 and 10 wt. %) and a range of composites were prepared at selected sintering temperatures (1000-1300 °C). The resulting structures were tested for several mechanical properties (porosity, compression and microhardness). Micro-structural analysis (electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction) was also performed on these samples, and these findings were correlated with results obtained from mechanical tests. The results indicate that there is a positive correlation between compression strength and sintering temperature and the optimal properties are obtained at a temperature of 1200°C and a boron oxide bioglass doping content of 5 wt. %.

Abstract: Revised simulated body fluid (rSBF) was prepared using a conventional route but all the chemicals were dissolved in commercial cow milk instead of de-ionized water. To accelerate crystallization and increase the amount of precipitates, the influence of milk on the crystallization of calcium phosphates was studied in supersaturated solutions equal to 4 times the ionic concentrations of rSBF. The experiments were carried out in physiological conditions, i.e. pH of 7.35–7.40, temperature of 37.0 (± 0.2) °C, and duration of 7 days, using a constant-composition double-diffusion (CCDD) device, which enables slow precipitation in strictly controlled crystallization conditions. Similar experiments with 4 times the ionic concentrations of rSBF using de-ionized water as solvent were carried out as control. For comparison purposes, another set of experiments with 4 times the ionic concentrations of rSBF in de-ionized water also containing 40 g of bovine serum albumin (BSA) per liter was also conducted. The experimental results showed that the behavior of milk was similar to the presence of dissolved BSA. Some components of milk, presumably proteins, co-precipitated with calcium phosphates. This phenomenon had a strong negative influence on the crystallinity of the precipitates.

Abstract: Porous scaffolds of hydroxyapatite (HA), derived from calcined bovine bones and doped with various reinforcing materials, such as Ti, TiO2 and Li2O, were produced with the aid of commercial sugar, which was added as 20 wt% with respect to the total batch, and sintering at 1200°C and 1300°C. The samples were characterized by SEM and X-ray diffraction analysis as well as by porosity measurements. The experimental results showed that porosity can be controlled by the correct selection of doping materials. The optimum sintering temperature was 1200°C since firing at 1300°C caused extended sintering and thus porosity was considerably reduced. Matching of chemical nature as well as thermal expansion coefficients between HA and the doping components are of high importance for the structural integrity of the resultant scaffolds. Doping with Li2CO3 seemed to have the highest potential for achieving high porosity, likely due to the decomposition to Li2O, but the amount of Li2CO3 used should not jeopardizing HA bioactivity. The use of natural sugar is an economic way of producing safe for the health porous HA scaffolds.

Abstract: Composite biomaterials of calcinated bovine bone derived hydroxyapatite (HA) doped with 5 and 10 wt% commercial inert glass (CIG) were prepared by sintering. The production of HA from natural sources satisfies economic and time-saving aims, while the use of CIGs is directed by economic and ecological aspects. The produced composites were subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis. Measurements of compression strength, microhardness, and density were also carried out. The experimental results and their discussion showed that the type and the composition of incorporated glass are of crucial importance. Consequently, provided that an optimum amount of glass is incorporated, the resultant materials can exhibit good values of compression strength and microhardness and hence they can be suggested for potential use in load-bearing biomedical applications.

Abstract: A simplified preparation method of silicon-substituted calcium phosphates with a very high yield (close to 100%) has been elaborated, according to the principles of Green Chemistry. The technique consists of mixing of crystals of calcium nitrate and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate in the desired proportions, following by addition of the necessary amount of a silicon-containing compound. The homogenous mixture is sintered between 900 and 1200°C. Either a siliconcontaining hydroxyapatite (Si-HA) or a silicon-stabilized tricalcium phosphate (Si-αTCP) can be synthesized, depending on the Ca/P, Ca/(P+Si) and Si/P molar ratios.

Abstract: Composites of calcinated bovine bone derived hydroxyapatite (HA) with 0.5 and 1 wt% Y2O3 were prepared by sintering. Money and time saving feature the production of HA from natural sources. In this study, results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis aimed to interpret the results of measurements of densification, microhardness, and compression strength of the produced composites. The best mechanical properties were achieved after sintering at 1200°C for compressive strength and 1300°C for microhardness. The results are in a fair agreement with densification measurements and microstructure analysis.

Abstract: Composites of calcinated bovine bone derived hydroxyapatite (BHA) doped 0.5 and 1 wt% CaF2 were prepared by sintering. The production of BHA from natural sources is preferred due to money and time saving reasons. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis together with measurements of density and compression strength were carried out in the produced samples. The experimental results indicated that compression strength of the composites increase when sintering temperature increases. The best compression strength was achieved after sintering at 1200°C for 0.5% CaF2 addition. The results are in agreement with densification measurements and microstructure analysis. With regards to the amount of CaF2, the results indicate that small additions of F, lower than 0.5%, can further improve the mechanical properties of HA.

Abstract: Hydroxyapatite (HA) is one of the most promising biomaterials, which is on use since decades in biomedicine. Because of the known mechanical weakness of HA in load carrying situations, various dopants, like ceramic oxides and metallic particles, have been used to produce HA-composite materials. In this study, Ti powders were admixed with enamel derived HA at 5 and 10 wt %. After ball milling, the mixtures were uniaxially pressed into pellets of a cylindrical form. The composites were sintered at temperatures between 1000°C and 1300°C. Microhardness, compression strength, and density measurements together with X-ray diffraction analysis and SEM studies were performed. The best mechanical values were obtained for the samples sintered between 1100°C and 1300°C.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to prepare high performance biomaterials suitable for use at load bearing applications with high bioactivity. The hydroxyapatite (HA) was prepared from bovine bones via calcination technique. The bovine derived HA (BHA) was mixed with 5 and 10 wt% metallic titanium (Ti) and the obtained homogenous mixtures were pressed to produce the test samples. The compacts were sintered at temperatures between 1000 and 1300°C. Compression strength, density, and microhardness were measured. SEM and X-ray diffraction studies were also made. The best mechanical properties were obtained between after sintering at 1200-1300°C.

Abstract: In this study, hydroxyapatite (HA) material, obtained from calcinated bovine bone (BHA), was mixed with 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, and 2.00 wt% Li2CO3. The pressed pellets were sintered at various sintering temperatures between 900°C and 1300°C. Measurements of compression strength, microhardness, and density, along with SEM observation and X-ray diffraction analysis were performed. The experimental results showed that the samples with 0.25 and 0.50% Li2CO3 reached a maximum of densification and the highest values of compression strength and microhardness were achieved after sintering at 1300°C. The wetting effect of a Li2O-associated glassy phase was observed even from 900°C.