Effects of Time, Temperature and Precursor on Solid State Synthesis of α-TCP

In this study, the correlation between impurity content of reagents used (monetite and brushite both from Merck), soaking time and firing temperature in the solid state synthesis of α-tricalcium phosphate (α -TCP) has been established. Mg impurity promoted formation of β-polymorph as a second phase in the resultant product. The extension of firing operation also led to an increase in the amount of α- TCP, higher firing temperature with an Equivalent soaking time resulted in a more purely synthesized α- TCP. The amount of α and β phases at each heating program were investigated through Match software system. The highest percentage of obtained α-TCP in the resultant product with the monetite precursor containing 0.43 wt.% magnesium impurity at 1350°C and 16 hours of soaking time was about 94%.