Injectability of calcium phosphate pastes

A theoretical model was developed to assess ways to improve the injectability of calcium phosphate pastes. The theoretical results were then compared to experimental data obtained on calcium phosphate slips. The theoretical approach predicted that the injectability of a cement paste could be improved by an increase of the liquid-to-powder ratio, and a decrease of the particle size and the plastic limit (PL) of the powder. The theoretical results were confirmed by experimental data. Interestingly, an increase of the viscosity of the mixing liquid with small additions of xanthan had a positive effect on the paste injectability. This effect could be due to a change of the PL of the powder or to the lubricating effect of the polymer. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.