The nucleation and growth of octacalcium phosphate (Ca4H(PO4)(3) . 2.5
H(2)O, OCP) on titanium bride (TiO2) particles have been investigated
using constant composition (CC) methods in aqueous solution at 37 degr
ees C. The solid phases during the reaction were examined by X-ray dif
fraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and diffuse reflectance
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The induction period,
tau, preceding the initial crystal growth of OCP, varied markedly with
the relative supersaturation, sigma. The interfacial free energy, gam
ma, estimated from initial growth rate data was 11.4 mJ m(-2), while t
hat calculated from the induction times was 13.8 mJ m(-2) These values
were of the same order of magnitude as that determined by a contact a
ngle method involving thin layer techniques.