Final answer:
Bioactive glass is primarily composed of silica, sodium, and calcium, which account for the majority of its composition and give it bioactive properties suitable for medical applications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bioactive glass is primarily composed of silica (SiO₂), sodium (Na₂O), and calcium (CaO). These materials, along with other minor additives, are responsible for over 75% of the composition of most manufactured glasses, including bioactive glass. Silica, a form of silicon dioxide or quartz, is the most common component in glass, constituting about 70 to 74% by weight. To this, sodium (often obtained from sodium carbonate) and calcium (also known as lime) are added. These combine to form a unique material that can interact with biological tissues, hence the term 'bioactive' glass.
Bioactive glasses are used for a variety of applications, including in medical implants and for bone repair, due to their ability to bond with bone and stimulate bone growth. The inclusion of sodium and calcium in addition to silica provides these glasses with their distinctive bioactive properties.