3. Shaping calcium phosphate biomaterials

3.1 Dense and porous ceramics

Calcium phosphate ceramics are among the most widely used biomaterials for orthopedic use. These compounds are generally obtained by natural sintering at temperatures between 1,100 and 1,350°C . With the exception of tetracalcium phosphate, most high-temperature-stable phosphates are offered in the form of bioceramics, most of which are porous.

The two most commonly used compounds are β-tricalcium phosphate and stoichiometric hydroxyapatite. The former produces relatively soluble, bioresorbable ceramics, while hydroxyapatite...