Microstructure, phase and physical evaluation of non-bioactive wollastonite glass – Ceramic prepared from waste glass by sintering method
Seun Samuel Owoeye, Segun Michael Abegunde, D.O. Folorunso, Bidemi Omowunmi Adigun, Ukoba Kingsley
Abstract
In this study, glass-ceramic materials with wollastonite as the major crystalline phase are prepared from waste glass of Na2O − CaO – Al2O3 − SiO2 system with addition of nucleating agents such as TiO2, ZrO2 and ZnO respectively using control crystallization sintering process. Two glass body compositions GC1and GC2 were prepared comprising varying addition of nucleating agents. The bodies were then subjected to control sinter-crystallization process in an electric muffle furnace at temperature of 1000 °C for 4 h. In vitro bioactivity test was conducted using simulated body fluid (SBF) for 7, 14 and 21 days respectively to determine whether the developed glass-ceramic is bioactive. The phase composition showed wollastonite as the major crystalline phase while the morphology of the developed glass-ceramics showed high glassy phase with no apatite formation after immersion in SBF suggesting they are not bioactive materials. The glass-ceramics also showed good aesthetic appearance.