Dispersion Stability of Hydroxyapatite-Calcium Phosphate Glass Ceramic-Tertiary Butyl Alcohol System

The sedimentation bulk density and rheology of tertiary-butyl alcohol (TBA)-based hydroxyapatite/calcium phosphate glass ceramic suspension system have been examined in terms of oxide solid loading (10, 15 vol.%), and types of additives (dispersant, dispersant/gelator, dispersant/gelator/surfactant), and calcium phosphate glass ceramic content. Sedimentation density of hydroxyapatite decreased by adding calcium phosphate glass ceramic mainly due to the coarse and hence low surface area of calcium phosphate glass ceramic powder; the decrease effect was nearly offset when the dispersant was added. The suspension viscosity generally behaved in an opposite manner to the sedimentation density. A shear thinning rheology was shown in applied shear rate, regardless of processing variables.