The reactivity of nano silica (SiO₂) with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) was evaluated and characterized in this study. Ca(OH)₂ activated nano SiO₂ takes place through an exothermic process, which is mainly attributed to the breakdown of Si-O-Si bonds. Ca(2+) offsets the charge imbalance and bonds to Si-OH and Si-O(-) giving rise to calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) gel. Care has to be taken that the reactivity of nano SiO₂ with Ca(OH) ₂significantly depends on the Q³ percentage in nano SiO ₂. Q³ percentages significantly influence the reaction kinetic of nano SiO₂ . The higher Q³ percentage results in a higher reaction degree of nano SiO₂ with Ca(OH)₂ and shorter setting times of the pastes. The higher Q³ percentage results in a lower total reaction heat of nano SiO₂ with Ca(OH)₂. It is suggested that the Q³ percentages of nano SiO₂ should be in excess of 30% to keep the satisfactory setting properties of the pastes for the application requirements of bone cement.
2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.