Comparing Three Methods for the Synthesis of Pure Beta-Dicalcium Silicate

β-dicalcium silicate is the most reactive and thus the most important constituent of Portland cements and has a significant influence on setting properties and strength-development. Recently researchers have investigated it as a potential candidate for hard tissue repair. It is not, however, stable at room temperature, so synthesis of pure powders is challenging. In this study, three methods have been investigated to prepare the β-dicalcium silicate: solid state reaction, the sol-gel method and the Pechini technique. The Pechini technique gave the purest β-dicalcium silicate with the formation of little or no lime, followed by the sol-gel method and then solid state reaction.