Experimental Study of the Binary System Mg3(PO4)2–Mg4Na(PO4)3

Abstract

The Mg3(PO4)2–Mg4Na(PO4)3 system has been studied using thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray microanalysis. Firing the constituent phosphates at 800°C has been shown to cause no phase changes, whereas firing above 1000°C leads to the formation of a single-phase material, which is due to the incongruent melting of the magnesium sodium double orthophosphate Mg4Na(PO4)3. The homogeneity range of the compounds in the Mg3(PO4)2–Mg4Na(PO4)3 system differing in composition has been determined by X-ray microanalysis. The microstructure of Mg3–xNa2x(PO4)2-based ceramic materials prepared by sintering at a temperature of 1000°C has an average grain size under 10 μm. The synthesized bioceramic materials are potentially attractive for use as implants for bone tissue regeneration.