Abstract
Starting powders of silicon-substituted beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP/Si) were prepared by the polymerized complex method. Silicon ions were blended up to 3.0 mol% of the total P ions content. The raw product powder was calcined at 1000 °C, formed into pellets, and sintered at 1120 °C for 24 h. The resultant sintered bodies showed that a single phase of β-type tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) can be obtained with silicon ions addition of 0-2.0 mol% of the total P ions content. The substitutional solid solution of silicon ions in β-TCP affected the sinterability of the obtained sintered bodies by inhibiting the grain growth and densification of the sintered bodies. On the other hand, the samples prepared with silicon ions additions of more than 2.5 mol% of the total P ions content were mixed phases with β-TCP, α-TCP and silicocarnotite (Ca5(PO4)2SiO4).
