Thermokineticanalysis of the hydration process of calcium phosphate cement

A microcalorimeter (Setaram c-80) was used to study the thermokinetics of the hydration process of calcium phosphate cement (CPC), a biocompatible biomaterial used in bone repair. The hydration enthalpy was determined to be 35.8 J g^–1 at 37.0°C when up to 80 mg CPC was dissolved in 2 mL of citric buffer. In the present study, parameters related to time constants of the calorimeter were obtained by fitting the recorded thermal curves with the function θ=Ae^–?t(1– e^–?2t). The real thermogenetic curves were then retrieved with Tian function and the transformation rate of the hydration process of CPC was found to follow the equation α=1–[1–(0.0075t)³]³. The microstructures of the hydrated CPC were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The nano-scale flake microstructures are due to crystallization of calcium phosphate and they could contribute to the good biocompatibility and high bioactivity.