Bioactive glasses (BGs) are promising materials for bone regeneration due to their ability to bond with living bone tissue. However, thermal stability and mechanical properties of BGs need improvement for better clinical performance. In this paper, we present an overview of the influence of different ions on the sintering and crystallization of BGs. Specifically, this review focuses on the impact of thermal treatments on the crystallization of 45S5 and other significant BG compositions. Potential applications of these thermally treated BGs, such as scaffolds, BG-based composites, and thermally sprayed coatings, are explored. Moreover, the substitution of ions has been investigated as a method to enhance the thermal properties of BGs. Notably, zinc, potassium, and strontium have been studied extensively and have demonstrated promising effects on both the thermal and the mechanical properties of BGs. However, it is important to note that research on ion inclusion in BGs is still in its early stages, and further investigation is necessary to fully comprehend the effects of different ions on sintering and crystallization. Therefore, future studies should focus on optimizing the ion substitution method to improve the thermal, mechanical, and even biological properties of BGs, thereby enhancing their potential for various biomedical applications.
Keywords: bioactive glasses (BGs); crystallization; ion substitution; sintering; thermal treatments.