Effect of processing parameters on textural and bioactive properties of sol–gel-derived borate glasses

A compositional range of recently developed bioactive sol–gel-derived borate glasses (SGBGs) have demonstrated remarkably rapid rates of conversion to hydroxy-carbonated apatite (HCA) in simulated body fluid (SBF). Although the composition of SGBGs did not greatly impact HCA conversion rates, it is still unknown how the sol–gel processing parameters affect the textural properties and thus bioactivity of the glass. In this study, a borate-substituted Bioglass^® “45S5” formulation [(46.1)B₂O₃-(26.9)CaO-(24.4)Na₂O-(2.6)P₂O₅; mol%] was fabricated using different sol–gel processing parameters including precursor materials, ageing time and temperature, along with calcination rate and temperature. It was found that a higher calcination temperature led to a partially crystallized glass with almost a magnitude decrease in specific surface area relative to the other glasses. All processing routes resulted in highly bioactive glasses according to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy, which confirmed HCA formation in SBF in as little as 2 h. The majority of ion-exchange occurred within 30 min, facilitating this rapid conversion to bone-like HCA. Interestingly, the partially crystallized glasses (i.e., glass–ceramics) also underwent full conversion to HCA in SBF. Furthermore, ageing time and temperature did not affect the bioactive properties of these glasses, which allow for significantly reduced processing times. In summary, this study demonstrates that SGBGs can be tailored for targeted tissue engineering applications by varying the sol–gel processing parameters.     

Fatigue limit and crack arrest in alkali-containing silicate glasses

Crack growth, including fatigue limit and crack arrest, have been investigated for glasses of the systemsxNa₂O-11Al₂O₃-(89-x)SiO₂,xNa₂O-(100-x)SiO₂ andxNa₂O-7CaO-(93−x)SiO₂ in water as well as in acid and alkaline solutions. From studies of the dependence of the crack arrest on the alkali content of the glass, the kind of alkali (K⁺, Na⁺, Li⁺), the pH of the corrosive medium, the ageing time and ageing loading in conjunction with measuring the alkali leaching behaviour, the basic mechanism of crack arrest and fatigue limit can be concluded. Owing to load- and medium-dependent diffusion processes, a crack-growth retarding leached layer at the crack is generated with modified strength and crack growth properties compared to the bulk properties. In high alkali-containing glasses the process is additionally stimulated by stresses produced in the leached layer at the crack tip and at the crack surfaces.     

Bioactivity of Fe2O3-containing CaO-SiO2 glasses: in vitro evaluation

In order to reveal conditions for obtaining bioactive and ferrimagnetic glass-ceramics useful as thermoseeds for hyperthermia treatment of cancer, the effects of additives on the bioactivity of an Fe₂O₃-CaO-SiO₂ glass were investigated by examining apatite formation on the surfaces of the glasses in a simulated body fluid with ion concentrations nearly equal to those in human blood plasma. A 3Fe₂O₃, 100CaO · SiO₂ (in weight ratio) glass did not form an apatite layer on its surface in the fluid, but glasses of the same compositions with 3Na₂O, B₂O₃ and/or P₂O₅ added (in weight ratio) formed an apatite layer. This indicates that bioactive and ferrimagnetic glass-ceramics could be obtained from Fe₂O₃-containing CaO-SiO₂ glasses with Na₂O, B₂O₃ and/or P₂O₅ added. Apatite formation on the surfaces of the glasses with the additives are interpreted in terms of the dissolution of the calcium and silicate ions from the glasses.     

Bioactivity of CaO·SiO2-based glasses:in vitro evaluation

In order to fundamentally study compositional dependence of bioactivity of glasses, both the surface structural changes of P₂O₅-free CaO · SiO₂ glass due to exposure to a simulated body fluid and the effects of adding a third component, such as Na₂O, MgO, B₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, P₂O₅ and CaF₂, were investigated. An acellular aqueous solution which had almost equal ion concentrations to those of the human blood plasma was used as the simulated body fluid. The surface structure changes were examined by electronprobe X-ray microanalysis, thin-film X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) reflection spectroscopy. It was found that even P₂O₅-free CaO · SiO₂ glass forms an apatite layer on its surface in the simulated body fluid, and that the rate of formation of the surface apatite layer is increased with the addition of Na₂O and P₂O₅ while it decreased with the addition of MgO, B₂O₃, CaF₂ and Fe₂O₃. This indicates that even P₂O₅-free CaO · SiO₂ glass can bond to living bone, forming the surface apatite layer in the body and that its bioactivity is increased with the addition of Na₂O and P₂O₅ while it is decreased with MgO, B₂O₃, CaF₂ and Fe₂O₃. It is speculated that a glass of the composition CaO · SiO₂ 100, Fe₂O₃ 3 in weight ratio does not bond to living bone.On leave from: Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd, Otemachi, Tokyo 100, Japan.     

The influence of calcium to phosphate ratio on the nucleation and crystallization of apatite glass-ceramics

The nucleation and crystallization behavior of a series of glasses based on 4.5SiO₂- 3Al₂O₃-YP₂O₅-3CaO-1.51CaF₂ was studied. The parameter Y was varied to give calcium to phosphate ratios between one and two. All of the glasses studied crystallized firstly to fluorapatite (Ca₅(PO₄)₃F). The glass with a calcium to phosphate ratio of 1.67, corresponding to apatite, bulk nucleated to give fluorapatite (FAP). The glasses with calcium : phosphate ratios either less than that of apatite, or greater than that of apatite all exhibited surface nucleation of FAP. However, following a nucleation hold of one hour at approximately 50 K above the glass transition temperature these glasses exhibited bulk nucleation of FAP. © 2001 Kluwer Academic Publishers     

Characterization of SiO2–Na2O–Fe2O 3–CaO–P2O 5–B 2O 3 glass ceramics

Bioactivity and magnetic properties were investigated in glass and glass ceramics based on the SiO₂–Na₂O–Fe₂O₃–CaO–P₂O₅–B₂O₃ system to find their suitability as thermoseed for hyperthermia treatment of cancer. The effect of change in compositions on bioactivity was examined in simulated body fluids. The glass ceramic samples exhibit Na₃CaSi₃O₈ and Na_3-XFe_XPO₄ phases. After dipping the glass ceramic samples in simulated body fluids silica hydrogel first forms, followed by an amorphous calcium phosphate layer. Magnetic and microwave resonance experiments further demonstrate the potential of these glass ceramics for possible use in hyperthermia.     

Effect of phosphate-based glass fibre surface properties on thermally produced poly(lactic acid) matrix composites

Incorporation of soluble bioactive glass fibres into biodegradable polymers is an interesting approach for bone repair and regeneration. However, the glass composition and its surface properties significantly affect the nature of the fibre-matrix interface and composite properties. Herein, the effect of Si and Fe on the surface properties of calcium containing phosphate based glasses (PGs) in the system (50P₂O₅-40CaO-(10-x)SiO₂-xFe₂O₃, where x = 0, 5 and 10 mol.%) were investigated. Contact angle measurements revealed a higher surface energy, and surface polarity as well as increased hydrophilicity for Si doped PG which may account for the presence of surface hydroxyl groups. Two PG formulations, 50P₂O₅-40CaO-10Fe₂O₃ (Fe10) and 50P₂O₅-40CaO-5Fe₂O₃-5SiO₂ (Fe5Si5), were melt drawn into fibres and randomly incorporated into poly(lactic acid) (PLA) produced by melt processing. The ageing in deionised water (DW), mechanical property changes in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and cytocompatibility properties of these composites were investigated. In contrast to Fe10 and as a consequence of the higher surface energy and polarity of Fe5Si5, its incorporation into PLA led to increased inorganic/organic interaction indicated by a reduction in the carbonyl group of the matrix. PLA chain scission was confirmed by a greater reduction in its molecular weight in PLA-Fe5Si5 composites. In DW, the dissolution rate of PLA-Fe5Si5 was significantly higher than that of PLA-Fe10. Dissolution of the glass fibres resulted in the formation of channels within the matrix. Initial flexural strength was significantly increased through PGF incorporation. After PBS ageing, the reduction in mechanical properties was greater for PLA-Fe5Si5 compared to PLA-Fe10. MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts seeded onto PG discs, PLA and PLA-PGF composites were evaluated for up to 7 days indicating that the materials were generally cytocompatible. In addition, cell alignment along the PGF orientation was observed showing cell preference towards PGF.     

Bioactivity and cytotoxicity of glass and glass–ceramics based on the 3CaO·P2O5–SiO2–MgO system

The mechanical strength of bioactive glasses can be improved by controlled crystallization, turning its use as bulk bone implants viable. However, crystallization may affect the bioactivity of the material. The aim of this study was to develop glass–ceramics of the nominal composition (wt%) 52.75(3CaO·P₂O₅)–30SiO₂–17.25MgO, with different crystallized fractions and to evaluate their in vitro cytotoxicity and bioactivity. Specimens were heat-treated at 700, 775 and 975 °C, for 4 h. The major crystalline phase identified was whitlockite, an Mg-substituted tricalcium phosphate. The evaluation of the cytotoxicity was carried out by the neutral red uptake methodology. Ionic exchanges with the simulated body fluid SBF-K9 acellular solution during the in vitro bioactivity tests highlight the differences in terms of chemical reactivity between the glass and the glass–ceramics. The effect of crystallinity on the rates of hydroxycarbonate apatite (HCA) formation was followed by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. Although all glass–ceramics can be considered bioactive, the glass–ceramic heat-treated at 775 °C (V775-4) presented the most interesting result, because the onset for HCA formation is at about 24 h and after 7 days the HCA layer dominates completely the spectrum. This occurs probably due to the presence of the whitlockite phase (3(Ca,Mg)O·P₂O₅). All samples were considered not cytotoxic.     

The microstructure of erbium-ytterbium co-doped oxyfluoride glass-ceramic optical fibers

Oxyfluoride transparent glass-ceramics combine some features of glasses (easier shaping or lower than single crystals cost of fabrication) and some advantages of rare-earth doped single crystals (narrow absorption/emission lines and longer lifetimes of luminescent levels). Since the material seems to be promising candidate for efficient fiber amplifiers, the manufacturing as well as structural and optical examination of the oxyfluoride glass-ceramic fibers doped with rare-earth ions seems to be a serious challenge. In the first stage oxyfluoride glasses of the following compositions 48SiO₂-11Al₂O₃-7Na₂CO₃-10CaO-10PbO-11PbF₂-3ErF₃ and 48SiO₂-11Al₂O₃-7Na₂CO₃-10CaO-10PbO-10PbF₂-3YbF₃-1ErF₃ (in molar%) were fabricated from high purity commercial chemicals (Sigma-Aldrich). The fabricated glass preforms were drawn into glass fibers using the mini-tower. Finally, the transparent Er³⁺ doped and Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ co-doped oxyfluoride glass-ceramic fibers were obtained by controlled heat treatment of glass fibers. The preceding differential thermal analysis (DTA) studies allowed estimating both the fiber drawing temperature and the controlled crystallization temperature of glass fibers. X-ray diffraction examination (XRD) at each stage of the glass-ceramic fibers fabrication confirmed the undesirable crystallization of preforms and glass fibers has been avoided. The fibers shown their mixed amorphous-crystalline microstructure with nano-crystals of size even below 10 nm distributed in the glassy host. The crystal structure of the grown nano-crystals has been determined by XRD and confirmed by electron diffraction (SAED). Results obtained by both techniques seem to be compatible: Er₃FO₁₀Si₃ (monoclinic; ICSD 92512), Pb₅Al₃F₁₉ (triclinic; ICSD 91325) and Er₄F₂O₁₁Si₃ (triclinic; ICSD 51510) against to initially expected PbF₂ crystals.     

Reinforcement of hydroxyapatite by adding P2O5-CaO glasses with Na2O, K2O and MgO

Commercial hydroxyapatite was reinforced by adding small amounts (2 and 4 wt%) of P₂O₅-based glasses during its sintering process. The composites prepared had a chemical composition closely related to the mineral part of bone tissues in terms of trace elements usually detected, such as Na, K and Mg. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) showed that the glass reinforced-HA composites were composed of a HA matrix and variable amounts of tricalcium phosphate phase, depending on sintering temperature and glass composition. These composites were shown to have much higher biaxial bending strength than sintered HA, 107 MPa for Ha/2% of 35P₂O₅-35CaO-10Na₂O-10K₂O-10MgO glass composite and 28 MPa for sintered HA. The presence of -tricalcium phosphate in the microstructure of the composites is an important factor in the reinforcement process.This paper was accepted for publication after the 1995 Conference of the European Society of Biomaterials, Oporto. Portugal, 10–13 September.     

Role of bismuth and titanium in Na2O-Bi2O3-TiO2-P2O5 glasses and a model of structural units

0.60Na₂O-0.40P₂O₅ and (0.55−z)Na₂O-0.05Bi₂O₃-zTiO₂-0.40P₂O₅ glasses (0≤z≤0.15) were prepared by melting at 1000°C mixtures of Na₂CO₃, Bi₂O₃, TiO₂ and (NH₄)₂HPO₄. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measurements give the variation of glass transition temperature (T_g) from 269°C (for 0.60Na₂O-0.40P₂O₅) to 440°C (for z=0.15). The density measurements increases from 2.25 to 3.01 g/cm³. FTIR spectroscopy shows the evolution of the phosphate skeleton: (PO₃)_∞ chains for 0.60Na₂O-0.40P₂O₅ to P₂O₇⁴⁻ groups in the glasses containing Bi₂O₃ or both Bi₂O₃ and TiO₂. When bismuth oxide and titania are added to sodium phosphate glass, phosphate chains are depolymerized by the incorporation of distorted Bi(6) and Ti(6) units through POBi and POTi bonds. Bi₂O₃ and TiO₂ are assumed to be present as six co-ordinated octahedral [BiO_6/2]³⁻and [TiO_6/2]²⁻ units again with shared corners. This is accompanied by the simultaneous conversion of [POO_3/2] into [PO_4/2]⁺ units which achieves charge neutrality in the glasses.     

Dissolution behavior and bioactivity study of glass ceramic scaffolds in the system of CaO–P2O5–Na2O–ZnO prepared by sol–gel technique

Three-dimensional glass ceramic scaffolds from the system CaO–P₂O₅–Na₂O–ZnO have been prepared by coating polyurethane foams with sol–gel derived glass slurry. Main phase catena hexaphosphate (Ca₄P₆O₁₉), minor phases calcium pyrophosphate (β-Ca₂P₂O₇) and calcium metaphosphate (β-Ca(PO₃)₂) were detected in the prepared glass ceramics. In order to assess the potential use in hard tissue engineering, the dissolution and precipitation behavior of the glass ceramics was investigated in vitro after soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF) for different periods of time, and the bioactivity and biocompatibility studies were conducted using mouse MC3T3-E1. Ca₄P₆O₁₉ phase showed a good chemical durability in SBF solution over the period time of soaking. However, there were small quantities of apatite-like deposits formed on the surfaces after soaking 28 days, exhibiting a poor ability of inducing calcification in SBF. In vitro cell culture, a high degree of cell adhesion and spreading was achieved and large number of mineralized deposits composed of Ca, P and Zn were detected in these porous scaffolds. These results confirmed the biocompatibility and bioactivity of the glass ceramics and the positive effects on mouse MC3T3-E1 cell behavior although no continuous apatite layer was formed on scaffold surfaces after soaking in SBF, and also demonstrated that Zn doped this glass ceramics could strongly stimulate the formation of mineralized deposits in vitro culture of MC3T3-E1 cells.     

Interaction between bioactive glasses and human dentin

This study explores the interaction between bioactive glasses and dentin from extracted human teeth in simulated oral conditions. Bioactive glasses in the Na₂O–CaO–P₂O₅–SiO₂ and MgO–CaO–P₂O₅–SiO₂ systems were prepared as polished disks. Teeth were prepared by grinding to expose dentin and etching with phosphoric acid. A layer of saliva was placed between the two, and the pair was secured with an elastic band and immersed in saliva at 37 °C for 5, 21 or 42 days. The bioactive glasses adhered to dentin, while controls showed no such interaction. A continuous interface between the bioactive glass and dentin was imaged using cryogenic-scanning electron microscopy (SEM). However, after alcohol dehydration and critical point drying, fracture occurred due to stresses from dentin shrinkage. SEM investigations showed a microstructurally different material at the fractured interface. Chemical analyses revealed that ions from the glass penetrated into the dentin and that the surface of the glass in contact with the dentin was modified. Microdiffractometry showed the presence of apatite at the interface. Bonding appears to be due to an affinity of collagen for the glass surface and chemical interaction between the dentin and glass, leading to apatite formation at the interface.     

Gallium-containing phosphosilicate glasses: Functionalization and in-vitro bioactivity

A gallium containing glass 45.7SiO₂·24.1Na₂O·26.6CaO·2.6P₂O₅·1.0Ga₂O₃ (referred to as “Ga1.0”) and a parent Ga-free glass 46.2SiO₂·24.3Na₂O·26.9CaO·2.6P₂O₅ (hereinafter represented as “H”), corresponding to Bioglass® 45S5, were functionalized with Tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTS) in order to improve their ability to bond with biomolecules, such as drugs, proteins, and peptides. Functionalization with TEOS and APTS promoted the increment in OH groups and formation of NH₂ groups on the glass surface, respectively. The presence of OH or NH₂ groups was investigated by means of IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Moreover, in vitro study of these functionalized glasses was performed in simulated body fluid (SBF) so as to investigate the effect of functionalization on the bioactive behavior of H and Ga1.0. The results showed that the functionalization was obtained along with maintaining their bioactivity. The surfaces of both functionalized glasses were covered by a layer of apatite within 30 days of SBF immersion. In addition, CaCO₃ was also identified on the surface of APTS functionalized glasses. However, no gallium release was detected during SBF soaking.     

Formulation and characterization of glass–ceramics based on Na2Ca2Si3O9–Ca5(PO4)3F–Mg2SiO4-system in relation to their biological activity

Glasses having a chemical composition based on combeite [Na₂Ca₂Si₃O₉]–fluoroapatite [Ca₅(PO₄)₃F] and forsterite [Mg₂SiO₄] system were crystallized through controlled heat-treatment. Two forms of sodium calcium silicate e.g. combeite Na₂Ca₂Si₃O₉ and pectolite Na₂CaSi₃O₈, were formed together with diopside (CaMgSi₂O₆) and monticellite (CaMgSiO₄) in addition to fluoroapatite (Ca₅(PO₄)₃F) phases by thermal treatment of the glasses. Selected glass–ceramics were exposed to a simulated body fluid solution (SBF) which is close to human plasma for 3 weeks. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and inductive coupled plasma (ICP) analysis confirmed the formation of an apatite layer which indicate bioactivity in the all crystallized sample. A decreasing of surface bioactivity with increasing Mg₂SiO₄/Na₂Ca₂Si₃O₉ replacement was observed as indicated by the decrease in the amount of apatite layer on the surface of the crystallized specimens. The Vicker’s microhardness of the studied glass–ceramic materials are between 5,047 and 6,781 MPa.     

Influence of strontium for calcium substitution in bioactive glasses on degradation,ion release and apatite formation

Bioactive glasses are able to bond to bone through the formation of hydroxy-carbonate apatite in body fluids while strontium (Sr)-releasing bioactive glasses are of interest for patients suffering from osteoporosis, as Sr was shown to increase bone formation both in vitro and in vivo. A melt-derived glass series (SiO₂–P₂O₅–CaO–Na₂O) with 0–100% of calcium (Ca) replaced by Sr on a molar base was prepared. pH change, ion release and apatite formation during immersion of glass powder in simulated body fluid and Tris buffer at 37°C over up to 8 h were investigated and showed that substituting Sr for Ca increased glass dissolution and ion release, an effect owing to an expansion of the glass network caused by the larger ionic radius of Sr ions compared with Ca. Sr release increased linearly with Sr substitution, and apatite formation was enhanced significantly in the fully Sr-substituted glass, which allowed for enhanced osteoblast attachment as well as proliferation and control of osteoblast and osteoclast activity as shown previously. Studying the composition–structure–property relationship in bioactive glasses enables us to successfully design next-generation biomaterials that combine the bone regenerative properties of bioactive glasses with the release of therapeutically active Sr ions.     

The effect of residual glassy phase in a bioactive glass-ceramic on the formation of its surface apatite layerin vitro

A bioactive glass containing (in wt%) SiO₂ 48, P₂O₅ 9.5, Na₂O 20 and CaO 22.5 was transformed into a glass-ceramic through a heat treatment. The apatite formation on the surface of this glass-ceramic was examined in a simulated physiological solution. The data from X-ray diffraction, infrared reflection spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy together with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and composition imaging of backscattered electrons showed that the formation of the surface apatite layer depends on the relative amount of residual glassy phase in the glass-ceramic. The apatite layer was found to formin vitro on its surface if the glass-ceramic contained a residual glassy phase in a relative proportion more than a limiting volume. It lay on a layer rich in silica. However, only, a silica-rich layer was developed within the surface region of the glass-ceramic during the interaction with solution if the glass was almost completely crystallized. It is proposed that the apatite formation on the surface of the glass-ceramic is mainly caused by its residual glass. The residual glass facilitating apatite formation is considered to provide a negatively charged surface developed during its corrosion in the surrounding solution. The negatively charged surface attracts calcium ions and creates a solution within the glass — solution interface that is highly supersaturated with respect to hydroxyapatite. This leads to the formation of apatite on the surface of the glass-ceramic.     

Effect of magnesia on structure, degradability and in vitro bioactivity of CaO-MgO-P2O5-SiO2 system ceramics

CaO-MgO-P₂O₅-SiO₂ system ceramics with various magnesia contents (0, 5, 10 and 20 mol%) were successfully prepared by sintering the sol-gel-derived powder compacts. The ceramic degradation was evaluated through the weight loss in the tris-(hydroxymethyl)-aminomethane and hydrochloric acid (Tris-HCl) buffer solution, and their ability to form apatite was determined by soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF). Results indicated that the ceramics structure was greatly influenced by magnesia contents. New crystal phases of Ca₂MgSi₂O₇ and SiO₂ were formed when magnesia was added and with an increase of magnesia concentration the phase of Ca₂MgSi₂O₇ increased with a simultaneous decline of β-CaSiO₃. In addition, studies showed that magnesia played an important role in affecting the degradability and apatite forming ability of CaO-MgO-P₂O₅-SiO₂ system ceramics. It is observed that with increasing magnesia concentration, the ceramic degradability gradually decreased and the formation of apatite on samples was delayed.     

Synthesis,characterization and evaluation of bioactivity and antibacterial activity of quinary glass system (SiO2–CaO–P2O5–MgO–ZnO): In vitro study

Bioactive glasses in the systems SiO₂–CaO–P₂O₅–MgO (BGZn0) and SiO₂–CaO–P₂O₅–MgO–ZnO (BGZn5), were prepared by sol–gel method and then characterized. Surface reactivity was studied in simulated body fluid (SBF) to determine the effect of zinc (Zn) addition as a trace element. The effect of Zn addition to the glass matrix on the formation of apatite layer on the glass surface was investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Also, inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP–sOES) was used to determine the concentrations of released ions in SBF solution after different time intervals in SBF solution. The antibacterial activity of Zn containing glass against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was measured by the halo zone test. The presence of Zn in glass composition improved chemical durability, slowed down the formation rate of Ca–P layer and decreased the size of crystalline apatite particles. Zn containing glass exhibited an excellent antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa which could demonstrate its ability to treat bone infection.     

The effect of additives on the crystallization and sintering of 2MgO-2Al2O3-5SiO2 glass-ceramics

Crystallization and sintering behaviour of three cordierite (2MgO-2Al₂O₃-5SiO₂) glasses containing different amount of additives were investigated and compared by using differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the Archimedes method. The stoichiometric 2MgO-2Al₂O₃-5SiO₂ (MAS) glass and the 2MgO-2Al₂O₃-5SiO₂ glass containing 3 wt% of B₂O₃ and 3 wt% of P₂O₅ (MASBP) showed two exotherms (one for -cordierite formation from a glass and the other for -cordierite formation from the -cordierite phase), whereas the 2MgO-2Al₂O₃-5SiO₂ glass containing 2 wt % of B₂O₃, 2 wt% of P₂O₅, and 2 wt % of TiO₂ (MASBPT) showed only a single exotherm representing -cordierite formation. By using Kissinger, Augis-Bennett, Ozawa, and modified Kissinger methods, the activation energy values for -cordierite formation in the MASBP and MASBPT glasses were determined as 310±6 and 326±13 kJ mol^–1, respectively, whereas that in the MAS glass was determined as 868±5 kJ mol^–1. The MASBPT glass showed the lowest peak temperature value for -cordierite formation (980 °C) amongst the three glasses. Both the MASBP and MASBPT glasses showed excellent sintering behaviour (> 99.7% of theoretical density).