Synthesis, characterization of CaF doped silicate glass-ceramics.

This paper reports the fabrication and characterization of silicate glass-ceramics doped with (0-12mol%) CaF. TGA-DSC analysis was carried out to determine the crystallization temperature and stability of glass measured by two glass parameters; Hruby parameter K=(T-T)/(T-T) and Weinberg parameter K=(T-T)/T. It was found that with CaF doping improved sinterability at low temperature and provided stability to the glass. The XRD pattern exhibits a single phase of combeite and doping of CaF cause increase in crystallite size. Microstructure of samples was also improved with CaF addition, pores were significantly reduced. After 15days immersion in simulated body fluid all samples developed apatite layer onto its surface. Hence, the addition of CaF provided bioactive glass-ceramic material having a low processing temperature.