Structural, physicomechanical, and in vitro biodegradation studies on Sr-doped bioactive ceramic

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of Sr substitution on the structure, mechanical properties, bioactivity, and biodegradation of akermanite (Ca 2 MgSi 2 O 7 ). Samples were synthesized through solid-state synthesis followed by heat treatment at 1200 °C and 1250 °C. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that Sr substitution did not change the Ca 2 MgSi 2 O 7 phase. Fourier transform infrared spectra demonstrated that the silicate structure of Ca 2 MgSi 2 O 7 also remained unchanged. The field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed that partial Sr substitution enhanced the density of Ca 2 MgSi 2 O 7 and reduced the grain size. The optimum dopant with the highest mechanical properties was 0.05Sr. However, the mechanical properties decreased beyond 0.05Sr because of the large grain size. The mechanical properties of Sr-substituted samples sintered at 1250 °C were lower due to high liquid phase formation. Sr substitution supported apatite formation and controlled Ca 2 MgSi 2 O 7 degradation after the samples were soaked in simulated body fluid solution (SBF).