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-C3S paste after soaking for 3 days. Our results indicate that the incorporation of Zn significantly improves the formation and stable of C3S, and alters the bioactive behaviors and ion releases to the SBF solution.