Fabrication and Characterization of Tricalcium Silicate Bioceramics with High Mechanical Properties by Spark Plasma Sintering.

Bioactive tricalcium silicate ceramics (CaSiO) were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS), and their sinterability and mechanical properties were examined. The bioactivity and in vitro biocompatibility of CaSiO ceramics were evaluated. CaSiO ceramics show higher density and superior mechanical properties compared with those prepared by conventional pressureless sintering. In addition, hydroxyapatite was induced to form on the surface of CaSiO ceramics when soaked in simulated body fluid and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were attached and spread well on the ceramics. CaSiO ceramics fabricated by SPS possess excellent mechanical properties, bioactivity, and biocompatibility and are promising bone repaired materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]