Properties of amorphous calcium pyrophosphate powder synthesized via ion exchange for the preparation of bioceramics

Abstract

A novel approach has been developed for the synthesis of amorphous hydrous calcium pyrophosphate powder consisting of nearly isometric particles: treatment of an aqueous suspension of platelike crystalline γ-calcium pyrophosphate particles with an ion exchange resin in H+-form. After firing at 1000°C, the relative density of calcium pyrophosphate-based ceramics produced from the powder is 80%. The relatively low firing temperature for sintering the ceramics is ensured by the improved sinterability of the powder due to the specific features of its micromorphology and phase composition.