| Calcium polyphosphate (CPP), an inorganic polymeric glass, has previously been studied for use in novel biodegradable implants as a sintered powder construct. In order to control production of sintered CPP compacts, improved understanding of sintering parameters is needed.; Using a model system of aligned fibres of three sizes, the sintering characteristics of CPP were studied near its glass transition and crystallization temperatures. The effects of fibre size, relative humidity, and the presence of trace amount sodium were investigated.; Increasing the fibre size resulted in smaller sinter neck ratios, and increased time for initiation of crystallization. Lower humidity conditions resulted in an increase in induction time to crystallization. The presence of sodium in CPP glass yielded shorter times to crystallization. Analysis of sinter neck ratios and crystallization data indicate that the formation of sinter necks is controlled by presence of the amorphous phase, and that crystallization inhibits sinter neck growth. |
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