Kinetics and mechanisms of octacalcium phosphate dissolution at 37.degree.C

Using the constant composition method, the dissolution kinetics of OCP at 37{degrees}C over a range of undersaturations are analyzed in terms of crystal growth using a nonlinear least-squares procedure. A detachment-desorption-volume diffusion mechanism is used to derive a rate equation for a spiral dissolution. Ions detached from the crystal steps may undergo surface diffusion before escaping into solution. 56 refs., 5 figs., 8 tabs.