Preparation of calcium pyrophosphate glass-ceramics containing Nb<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>

Abstract

New types of calcium phosphate glass-ceramics were prepared with the addition of Nb2O5 to the pyrophosphate region. The glass-ceramics contained α-Ca2P2O7, β-Ca2P2O7, and orthorhombic Nb2O5. The concentrations of Ca, P and Nb elements released from the glass-ceramics were lower than those released from glass of the same chemical composition. Apatite formed on the surface of the glass-ceramics after soaking in 1.5 simulated body fluid for 7 days. The crystal phases of the glass-ceramics improved the chemical durability and apatite forming ability of the material.