IN-VITRO BIOACTIVITY EVALUATION OF K2O-SUBSTITUTED Na2O-CaO-P2O5-SiO2 GLASS BIOCERAMICS
In the present work, the effect of K2O/Na2O substitution on the bioactivity of Na2O-CaO-P2O5-SiO2 ceramics prepared by solid-state method was studied. Ceramics-based bioactive implants are economical; they require low processing temperature and are more bioactive when compared with glasses, glass ceramics and composites. K2O is known to control proper function of cells and stimulate bone formation process. The hydroxyapatite layer developed on the surface of samples after soaking in stimulated body fluid solution was studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results showed an increase in the bioactivity of the samples as Na2O was partially replaced with K2O. The addition of K2O enhanced the apatite-forming ability of the ceramic samples and makes it suitable for filling defects and fracture in bones.