Effect of retardants on the heat release during setting of bone cement-type composites

Purpose: The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of retardants on the heat release during setting of the new hydroxyapatite (HA) - magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) - calcium sulphate hemihydrate (CSH) composites. Design/methodology/approach: We used the calorimetric method to measure the temperature effect of setting reaction in these new composites. Microstructure observations by means of scanning electron microscopy was also performed. Findings: The decrease in maximum temperature reached during hardening process with use of different retardants was confirmed. Research limitations/implications: Biological evaluation and in vitro physico-chemical tests of the novel composites need to be done. Practical implications: The highly exothermic setting reaction of cement composites based on MPC can be lowered to avoid harmful necrosis of the tissues surrounding the implant material. Originality/value: Detailed studies on the heat release during setting of HA - MPC - CSH composites were performed for a first time, giving an opportunity to choose the best composition for further studies.