The dissolution behavior of CaO-MgO-SiO2 glass fiber was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) using in-vitro tests. The results show that the soaked fiber is surrounded by an outer calcium-magnesium silicate hydrated layer, and there exists a balancing function between the formation and abscission of the hydrated layer during the dissolution process. The concentrations of leached ions increase constantly, and the mass loss of the fibers and pH changes of the solution are found to rise rapidly during the initial dissolution process, then their increasing rates are controlled by the balancing function of the hydrated layer at the subsequent dissolution stages. The dissolution rate constant and time for complete dissolution are estimated to be 274 ng/(cm2·h) and 15.2 d, respectively, presenting preferable biosolubilities.
Structure, crystallization and dissolution properties of CaO-MgO-SiO2 inorganic glass fiber in the presence of additives (Al2O3, Y2O3) were investigated by DTA, XRD, FTIR and ICP-AES techniques. The results show that with the addition of Al2O3 and Y2O3, the glass network structure is strengthened and the precipitation of crystals is inhibited for heat-treated fibers. Compared with Y2O3 doped fibers, Al2O3 presents more significant effects on the enhancement of silica network and the inhibition of crystallization in fibers. As for dissolution properties in physiological fluids, though the weight losses, changes of pH values and leached ions concentration lower slightly with the addition of Al2O3 and Y2O3 for the intensified network structure, and fibers still present high dissolution rates.
