| Author(s): |
Laurence C. Chow; |
| Title: |
Diffusion of Ions between Two Solutions Saturated With Respect to Hydroxyapatite: A Mechanism for Subsurface Demineralization of Teeth |
| Published: |
July 17, 2010 |
| Abstract: |
Diffusion-controlled dissolution and precipitation reactions occur in many biological systems and some non-stirred in vitro systems. Previous studies have shown that differences in the diffusion rates of ions involved in a dissolution/precipitation reaction can produce significant effects on the rate and course of the reaction. We report here results of a study that show inter-diffusion of ions between two solutions, both saturated with respect to hydroxyapatite but with dissimilar compositions, resulted in one solution becoming undersaturated and the other supersaturated. A model is proposed that may explain the formation of a mineral-dense layer in the caries process. |
| Citation: |
Journal of Research (NIST JRES) - |
| Volume: |
115 |
| Issue: |
4 |
| Pages: |
pp. 217 - 224 |
| Keywords: |
Dissolution; precipitation; diffusion; calcium phosphate; hydroxyapatite; caries; demineralization |
| Research Areas: |
Biomaterials, Materials Science |
| PDF version: |
 Click here to retrieve PDF version of paper (411KB) |
