Review on Phosphate-Bonded Ceramics and Cements

A quick review of literature on phosphate cements and ceramics indicates that very little attention has been paid to CBPCs, and a large opportunity exists in developing practical applications of these materials. Westman [1] conducted the first review of work done during 1918-1973 on phosphate ceramic and cement materials. This review appeared in Ceramic Abstracts in 1977. He concluded that only 7% of the total number of articles on cements, lime and mortars were on phosphate-bonded materials and also found only one 

Results of the Literature Search from Ceramic Abstracts. 

Years of ceramic abstracts searched Total number of articles found relevant to 1988-2002 

Following these two surveys, we conducted a literature review based upon Ceramic Abstracts for the years 1988-2002. The results are summarized in Table 2.1. The results presented in Table 2.1 indicate that there has been a significant increase in the literature on CBPCs in recent years. The major thrust of the research has been in biomaterials and dental cements. Though small in number, there have been several articles in structural materials applications, which also include oil well cements. Interest in conventional refractory materials has continued, and as expected, all the applications have been supported by research in materials structure and properties of the CBPCs. 

The survey, presented above, however, does not present the full picture of the recent research in the CBPC area. The Abstracts have not covered many modem CBPC applications such as those in radioactive and hazardous waste management. The purpose behind writing this monograph is to cover such areas in which CBPCs have made major inroads. In the process, we have built a discussion on the foundation of basic science and technology behind formation of these materials. We, therefore, hope that this monograph will be a comprehensive source for a wide readership interested in the science of CBPC materials and their applications. 

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