Preparation and in vitro bioactivity of zinc incorporating tricalium silicate

Zinc incorporating tricalcium silicate (Zn-C₃S) at various concentrations (0.80-8.00 wt% Zn) were prepared and investigated as compared with the pure C₃S. The incorporation of Zn promotes the formation of C₃S phase during the calcining process, and inhibits the phase transformation and decomposition of C₃S during the quenching process. The excessive incorporation of Zn (≥ 4.80 wt%) results in the disappearance of the main heat libration during the hydration of Zn-C₃S. The incorporation of Zn decreases the pH value of SBF solution after soaking, and increases the ionic dissolution concentrations. The deposition of apatite on Zn-C₃S paste surface is inhibited during the first 12 hours of soaking. However, the apatite layer could deposit on the surface of Zn-C ₃S paste after soaking for 3 days. Our results indicate that the incorporation of Zn significantly improves the formation and stable of C ₃S, and alters the bioactive behaviors and ion releases to the SBF solution.