Compressive strength and preliminary in vitro evaluation of gypsum and gypsum–polymer composites in protein-free SBF at 37 °C

Gypsum is a bioresorbable material that has been used in many applications such as tissue regeneration. Mechanical properties of gypsum have limited its applications to non-load bearing sites. The current study aimed at studying the compressive strength and behaviour of gypsum–polymer composites in protein-free simulated body fluids (SBF). Polymers studied were poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and its copolymers with vinyl acetate and itaconic acid in addition to vinyl acetate and vinyl chloride. Composites with the highest compressive strength results were chosen for the preliminary in vitro evaluation in protein-free SBF solutions. Changes in the concentrations of Ca2+ and PO43− ions, weight loss and morphology of the solid samples were monitored after soaking them in SBF and 1.5 SBF solutions. Results showed resorption of gypsum, concurrently with deposition of apatite in all composites, including polymer-free gypsum. Mechanical integrities of all samples were maintained, suggesting their stabilities when used as bone cements.