Structure and properties of bio-glass-ceramics containing natural bones

Bioactive glass ceramics containing apatite/beta-whitlockite and wollastonite were manufactured from chemically and heat treated, protein-free bovine bone as well as a base glass prepared by melt quenching. Samples were investigated by chemical analysis, X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), light microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. Preliminary results indicate the possibility of preparation of glass ceramic implants with better controlled biological and mechanical properties, hence a hazardous waste is converted into a valuable high-tech material. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.