Dibasic
calcium phosphate occurs as an anhydrate (
DCPA; CaHPO₄) and as a dihydrate (DCPD; CaHPO₄•2H₂O). Our objective was to investigate the unusual behavior of these phases.
Dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate was dehydrated in a (i) differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) in different pan configurations; (ii) variable-temperature X-ray diffractometer (XRD) at atmospheric and under reduced pressure, and in sealed capillaries; and (iii)
water vapor sorption analyzer at varying temperature and humidity conditions.
Dehydration was complete by 210°C in an open DSC pan and under atmospheric pressure in the XRD. Unlike "conventional" hydrates, the
dehydration of DCPD was facilitated in the presence of
water vapor. Variable-temperature XRD in a sealed capillary and DSC in a
hermetic pan with pinhole caused complete
dehydration by 100°C and 140°C, respectively. Under reduced pressure, conversion to the anhydrate was incomplete even at 300°C. The increase in
dehydration rate with increase in
water vapor pressure has been explained by the Smith-Topley effect. Under "dry" conditions, a coating of poorly crystalline product is believed to form on the surface of particles and act as a barrier to further
dehydration. However, in the presence of
water vapor, recrystallization occurs, creating cracks and channels and facilitating continued
dehydration.