In this study, effect of phosphate solution on setting reaction of a-tricalcium phosphate (a-TCP) spheres was investigated by employing three phosphate solutions: 0.2 mol/L Na2HPO4, 0.2 mol/L NaH2PO4 and 0.2 mol/L MCPM-0.1 mol/L H3PO4 solution. For the basic study on setting property, two a-TCP spheres were placed together then reacted to different phosphate solutions at 37 deg C for 10 minutes. When mixed with 0.2 mol/L MCPM-O.1 mol/L H3PO4 solution, two a-TCP spheres can be set to form brushite crystals at the interface. In order to investigate the setting mechanism between a-TCP spheres, set two-sphere specimens were evaluated in terms of crystal structure and surface morphology. Thus, it was concluded that the reaction between a-TCP spheres and 0.2 mol/L MCPM-0.1 mol/LH3PO4 solution resulted in forming of brushite crystals onto he surface of a-TCP sphere and the interlocking of brushite crystals is the setting mechanism between a-TCP spheres. This study shows the feasibility to fabricate interconnected porous cement which mimics the morphology of natural bone by connecting many a-TCP spheres together.
