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Tricalcium Phosphate is an inorganic compound commonly used in food, pharmaceuticals, and various industrial applications due to its calcium content and biocompatibility.+
CAS Number:
7758-87-4
Synonyms:
Calcium phosphate tribasic,Tricalcium diphosphate,TCP,E341(iii) (when used as a food additive)
Tribasic calcium phosphate,Calcium orthophosphate,Phosphoric acid, calcium salt
Introduction
Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) is a calcium salt of phosphoric acid with the chemical formula Ca3(PO4)2. It exists in several forms, primarily distinguished by their crystalline structure: alpha (u03b1-TCP), beta (u03b2-TCP), and amorphous TCP.
As a bioactive material, TCP has gained significant attention in various industries including food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and especially in biomedical applications such as bone grafts and dental procedures.
Historical Background
The discovery and use of calcium phosphates date back centuries, with early references found in mineral and bone studies.
The development of synthetic TCP in the 20th century allowed for tailored properties suitable for specific industrial and medical uses.
Chemical and Physical Properties
Chemical Formula and Structure
The molecular formula for tricalcium phosphate is Ca3(PO4)2.
The molecule consists of three calcium ions and two phosphate groups, with each phosphate tetrahedron coordinating calcium ions.
The different crystalline forms (u03b1, u03b2, amorphous) display unique structural arrangements affecting their solubility and reactivity.
Physical Appearance and Solubility
TCP appears as a white, odorless powder with a moderately low solubility in water.
Solubility is highly dependent on pH and the specific form of TCP.
Amorphous TCP tends to be more soluble than its crystalline counterparts.
Types of Tricalcium Phosphate
u03b1-TCP: Metastable at room temperature, used in orthopedic implants.
u03b2-TCP: Thermodynamically stable at ambient conditions, biocompatible.
Amorphous TCP: Non-crystalline, higher solubility, useful for bioresorption.
Synthesis and Production
Laboratory Preparation
TCP is synthesized in the lab by reacting calcium nitrate or calcium chloride with ammonium phosphate under controlled conditions, followed by filtration and calcination.
Industrial Production
Commercial production typically involves the thermal processing of phosphate rock or bones, followed by purification steps.
Parameters like temperature, pH, and precursor concentration influence the crystal phase and purity.
Raw Materials and Processing Conditions
Key raw materials include calcium carbonate and phosphoric acid.
The reaction mixture is heated to temperatures ranging from 700 to 1300u00b0C to achieve the desired crystal form.
Applications
Food Industry
TCP serves as an anti-caking agent, nutritional supplement (calcium fortification), and acidity regulator in foods such as powdered spices, flour, and dairy products.
Pharmaceuticals
It is used as a calcium source and excipient in tablets and capsules. It also plays a role in controlled drug release systems.
Biomedical Applications
TCP's similarity to human bone mineral makes it ideal for orthopedic and dental applications.
It is used in bone grafts, implants, and tissue engineering scaffolds.
Agricultural Uses
As a phosphate source, TCP is a component of mineral fertilizers that promote root development and increase crop yield.
Cosmetics and Personal Care
TCP is incorporated in toothpastes and powders due to its gentle abrasiveness and remineralization properties.
Biological Role and Biocompatibility
Role in Bone Metabolism
Calcium and phosphate are crucial for bone formation and remodeling.
TCP acts as a reservoir of these ions, enhancing osteoconductivity.
Biodegradability and Absorption
TCP is resorbed in the body over time, making it ideal for temporary implants that integrate with natural bone.
Comparison with Other Calcium Phosphates
Compared to hydroxyapatite and dicalcium phosphate, TCP is more biodegradable and thus favored in applications requiring resorption.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT TRICALCIUM PHOSPATE
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
