Composite bone cements were prepared with bioactive glasses (MgO–SiO2–3CaO Æ P2O5) of different reactivities. The matrix of these
so-called hydrophilic, partially degradable and bioactive cements was composed of a starch/cellulose acetate blend and poly(2-hydroxyethyl
methacrylate). The addition of 30 wt.% of glasses to this system made them bioactive in acellular medium: a dense apatite layer
formed on the surface after 7 days of immersion in simulated body fluid. This was demonstrated both by microscopic and infrared spectroscopic
techniques. The composition of the glass and, consequently, its structure was found to have important effects on the rate of the
apatite formation. The combination of reactivity obtained by one formulation with the hydrophilic and degradable character of these
cements makes them a very promising alternative to conventional acrylic bone cements, by allowing a better stabilization of the implant
and a stronger adhesion to the bone