Effect of pH values on surface modification and solubility of phosphate bioglass-ceramics in the CaO–P2O5–Na2O–SrO–ZnO system

The bioactive glass-ceramics in the CaO–P₂O₅–Na₂O–SrO–ZnO system were synthesized by the sol–gel technique, and then chemically treated at different pH values to study the solubility and surface modification. Samples sintered at 650 °C for 4 h consisted of the crystalline phase β-Ca₂P₂O₇ and the glass matrix. After soaking in the solution at pH 1.0, the residual glass matrix on the surface appeared entirely dissolved and no new phase could be detected. Whereas at pH 3.0, web-like layer exhibiting peaks corresponding to CaP₂O₆ was formed and covered the entire surface of the sample. When conducted at pH 10.0, only part of the glass matrix was dissolved and a new phase Ca₄P₆O₁₉ was precipitated, forming the petaline layer. The chemical treatment can easily change the surface morphologies and phase composition of this bioactive glass-ceramics. The higher level of surface roughness resulting from the new-formed layer would improve the interface bonding and benefit for cell adhesion.