Synthesis, structural, morphological and mechanical properties of Al2O3 doped SrO-SiO2-K2O glass-ceramics for biomedical applications
摘要
This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of novel (45 − x)SrO-45SiO2-10K2O-xAl2O3 glass-ceramics with varying Al2O3 content (0 to 6 mol%), focusing on structural, physical, mechanical, and biological properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed a monoclinic K0.78O8.61Si3Sr2.22 phase, along with secondary phases such as SiO2 and AlKSiO4. Increasing Al2O3 enhanced crystallinity from 66.04% to 75.84%. Density increased from 2.410 to 2.532 g/cm3 and oxygen packing density from 45.50 to 50.47 mol/L, while molar volume and internuclear distances decreased. Further, FTIR spectra revealed vibrational bands of Al–O, Si–O–Si, and non-bridging oxygen (NBO) groups. SEM images showed increased gain agglomeration and rod-like AlKSiO4 structures. Mechanical properties improved significantly, with increasing Al2O3 with compressive strength from 170 to 271 MPa, Young’s modulus from 1.91 to 3.80 GPa, and fracture toughness from 9.51 to 13.45 MPa·m1/2 respectively. Biocompatibility calculations using HeLa cells showed a reduction in IC50 values from approximately 101 to 83 µg/ml, indicating increased cytotoxic potential in Al2O3 enriched samples. Therefore, the fabricated glass–ceramic sample exhibits promising mechanical properties and significant potential for biomedical applications.