EFFECT OF VANADIUM ION ADDITION ON SINTERING OF β-TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE BY HOT PRESSING

Abstract

High-density β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) ceramics with a small amount of tri- and pentavalent vanadium ions addition (≤1.0 mol%) were successfully prepared by hot pressing. Tri- and pentavalent vanadium ions were substituted for a Ca ion at the Ca(5) site located in β-TCP crystal structure and for a P ion in the PO₄ group, respectively. The sinterability and mechanical properties of β-TCP doped with vanadium ions (V-β-TCPV) were improved with increasing vanadium ion content. The bending and compressive strengths of V-β-TCPVs were comparable to those of the hard tissue of a living body.