Effects of alumina (Al₂O₃) addition on mechanical property of fabricated melt-derived bioactive glass Open Access

Bioactive glass (BG) is advance materials that have the ability to form hydroxyapatite layer (HA) that accelerate bonding between bone tissues indicating a good biological response. However, BG fabricated with basic composition from SiO₂-CaO-Na₂O-P₂O₅ system exhibit lower mechanical strength. The present work aims to study the effects on alumina (Al₂O₃) addition in SiO₂-CaO-Na₂O-P₂O₅ system towards its mechanical performance. Bioactive glass (BG) was fabricated through melt-derived route. Various amount of alumina at (1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt% and 4 wt%) was added in the system. BG with 2 wt% of alumina addition show highest compressive strength and significant improvement observed after sintered at 750°C and 950°C. XRD revealed the existence of crystalline peaks after the glass was sintered that might assist on the mechanical improvement. SEM shows reduction on porosity and enhancement on grain size for sintered bioactive glass.