Synergistic Optimization of Dicalcium Silicate and HPMC for Enhanced Calcium Sulfate Cement Strength and Injectability

doi:10.15541/jim20260101

Abstract

Abstract: To overcome the clinical limitations of insufficient mechanical strength in traditional calcium sulfate bone cements, in this study, a novel composite bone cement based on calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH) modified with dicalcium silicate (C₂S) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) was developed. Comprehensive characterization reveals the underlying reinforcement mechanism: C₂S acts as a reinforcing phase by filling voids and regulating CSH hydration, while HPMC synergistically optimizes the microstructure by modulating hydration kinetics and forming hydrogen bonds and coordination complexes. At optimal concentrations of 1.5% (in mass) C₂S and 1.0% (in mass) HPMC, the compressive strength of the composite reached (21.35±1.36) MPa, a 3.3-fold increase compared to (6.46±1.46) MPa for pure CSH. Furthermore, injectability was significantly enhanced from 30.23% to 89.32%, and the setting time was also adjusted to a clinically suitable range. In vitro assessments demonstrated stable degradation profiles and a neutral pH environment, achieving a favorable balance between degradation rate and structural stability. Hemolysis and cytotoxicity assays confirmed excellent biocompatibility with no observed biotoxicity. In summary, this modified composite bone cement synergistically combines superior mechanical properties, excellent injectability, controlled degradation and robust biocompatibility, showing great potential for clinical application.

Key words: calcium sulfate hemihydrate, dicalcium silicate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), synergistic modification, mechanical property, biocompatibility

CLC Number:

TB34
R318

HAN Jiaying, XU Yingde, CUI Zhenduo, ZHU Shengli, LIANG Yanqin, JIANG Hui, GAO Zhonghui, XU Wence, LI Zhaoyang. Synergistic Optimization of Dicalcium Silicate and HPMC for Enhanced Calcium Sulfate Cement Strength and Injectability[J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, DOI: 10.15541/jim20260101.

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