Influence of hydroxyl content on selected properties of 45S5 bioactive glass

Numerous material properties may be influenced by the concentration of chemically dissolved hydroxyl species within a glass. A tube furnace connected to a steam generator was used to create hydroxyl-saturated 45S5 glass under 1 atm of water at 1100 degrees C. Selected properties of as-melted and hydroxyl-saturated samples were compared to assess the sensitivity of 45S5 to excess hydroxylation. The glass transition temperature and the peak crystallization temperature of the treated 45S5 glass were reduced in comparison to the as-melted 45S5 glass. In addition, the treated glass exhibited a broad endothermic signal that may be indicative of enhanced viscous flow. A simple dissolution experiment indicated that the treated 45S5 glass was also less durable than the as-melted 45S5 glass.