Use of sodium polyaspartate for the removal of hydroxyapatite/ brushite deposits from stainless steel tubing

Felicia Littlejohn, A. Eduardo Sáez, Christine S. Grant

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

This research investigates the use of sodium polyaspartate, a nontoxic, biodegradable polycarboxylic sequestrant, for removing calcium phosphate deposit consisting of hydroxyapatite (HAP) and brushite or dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) from stainless steel surfaces. Cleaning studies show that the use of sodium polyaspartate under alkaline conditions significantly enhances the removal rates when compared to deionized water. In acidic solutions, sodium polyaspartate concentrations below 300 ppm inhibit removal of HAP/DCPD deposits whereas higher concentrations increase the removal rate. Comparative cleaning studies at alkaline pHs show that sodium polyaspartate cleans the surface at a rate comparable to sodium citrate but slower than in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Supplementary dissolution experiments show that sodium polyaspartate enhances the HAP/DCPD dissolution rate while inhibiting the release of Ca2+. On the basis of these findings, we have concluded that sodium polyaspartate improves the HAP/DCPD dissolution and cleaning rates by Ca2+ sequestration.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2691-2700
Number of pages10
JournalIndustrial and Engineering Chemistry Research
Volume37
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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