Compressive Strength of Newly Developed Nonsintered Hydroxyapatite Blocks for Bone Graft Applications.

OBJECTIVE:  This study aimed to fabricate and evaluate the phase purity and compressive strength of the nonsintered hydroxyapatite (HA) block obtained via phase transformation of set calcium sulfate dihydrate (CSD) block under hydrothermal conditions at different temperatures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:  Nonsintered HA block was prepared by immersion CSD block (4 mm in diameter and 8 mm in height) in a 1 mol/L sodium phosphate (Na3 PO4 ) solution under hydrothermal conditions at 100°C, 140°C, and 180°C for 48 hours. X-ray diffraction was used to determine the crystalline phase of the obtained blocks. The mechanical strength of the blocks was measured using a compressive strength test.

RESULTS:  The result shows that the CSD block could be fully transformed into a HA block at 180°C for 48 hours without changing its macroscopic shape. The compressive strength of the obtained blocks was lower compared with the CSD block.

CONCLUSION:  The current method has successfully produced a nonsintered HA block at 180°C for 48 hours. The compressive strength of the HA block decreased compared with the gypsum block used as a precursor. However, the compressive strength of the HA block that was produced still falls within the range of cancellous bone.