Composite Materials in the Zirconia–Tricalcium Phosphate System for Bone Implants

Abstract

Based on tricalcium phosphate, new high-strength composite materials were synthesized, in which the strengthening phase was ZrO₂. To reduce the sintering temperature and obtain a fine crystalline structure, a special additive based on sodium silicate was developed, which favored the formation of low-temperature melts. It was studied how the ratio between the initial components and the sintering conditions affect the phase composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the obtained composite materials. By improving technology and optimizing composition, strong ZrO₂-rich composites were produced in the tetragonal modification with a low sintering temperature of 1250–1350°C and a flexural strength to 260 MPa. The composites had microstructure with tricalcium phosphate and ZrO₂ crystal sizes to 500 nm and to 5 μm, respectively. Such materials can be used in medicine for manufacturing bone implants capable of withstanding physiological loads.