Effect of B2O3 on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Calcium Fluoroaluminosilicate Glass System

Abstract

Bioactive glasses containing boron oxide have attracted substantial attention owing to their unique attributes and the promising prospects they offer for biomedical uses. The study explores boro calcium fluoro alumino silicate (BCFAS) glass containing boron oxide, highlighting its potential in biomedical applications. The glass was synthesized through melt-water quenching with varying B₂O₃ ratios, utilizing CaO from clam shell and SiO₂ from soda lime silica glass waste. The investigation examined the physical and mechanical properties of the resulting samples. Results showed that increasing B₂O₃ content caused a reduction in crystallinity, as confirmed by XRD analysis. The incorporation of B₂O₃ into the glass structure was further supported by the emergence of B‒O‒B and Si‒O‒B bonds observed in FTIR spectroscopy, which may potentially influence the glass's dissolution and degradation characteristics. However, higher B₂O₃ content also reduced density, impacting the mechanical properties. Vickers microhardness and compressive strength decreased due to the introduction of the BO₃ unit, which increased the fragility of the glass. While enhancing glass-like behavior and potentially increasing bioactivity, the addition of B₂O₃ adversely affected its mechanical attributes.