Effect of the Magnesium Oxide Addition on the Mechanical Performance of Tricalcium Phosphate Bioceramic

The sintering and the mechanical properties of the tricalcium phosphate - magnesium oxide composites have been investigated in this study. The mechanical properties of the tricalcium phosphate sintered with different percentages of magnesium oxide (25 wt%, 50 wt% and 75 wt%) have been evaluated by using different mechanical characterization such as the rupture strength and Vickers hardness. The tricalcium phosphate - magnesium oxide composites were investigated by the infrared spectroscopy and the scanning electronic microscopy measurements. At 1400 ℃, the highest mechanical properties values of the tricalcium phosphate were obtained after the sintering process with 50 wt% magnesium oxide. Thus, the optimum Vickers hardness of the composites reached 60 HV which is close to the dentin. The amelioration of these performances is due to the formation of the liquid-phase which helps to fill the pores in the microstructure.