abstract
Three dimensional scaffolds with controlled pore architecture were prepared from 45S5 Bioglass (R) powders by robocasting (direct-writing) using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as the single processing additive. A comprehensive sintering study of the resulting structures was performed within the temperature range 500-1050 degrees C. Robocast scaffolds with interconnected porosities ranging from 60 to 80% were obtained for a fixed scaffold design. All scaffolds exhibited compressive strengths comparable to that of cancellous bone (2-13 MPa), including those sintered at temperatures below the crystallization temperature of 45S5 bioactive glass. These strength values are substantially higher than any previously reported data for 45S5 Bioglass (R) scaffolds and imply that robocasting is the first technique which can be considered suitable for producing vitreous 45S5 scaffolds with a sufficient mechanical integrity for any practical application. Moreover, this process will enable the development of 45S5 Bioglass (R) scaffolds with customized external geometry, and optimized pore architecture. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
keywords
CALCIUM-PHOSPHATE SCAFFOLDS; INITIO MOLECULAR-DYNAMICS; MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES; BIOGLASS(R); CERAMICS; BEHAVIOR; CRYSTALLIZATION; FABRICATION; STRENGTH; SURFACES
subject category
Materials Science
authors
Eqtesadi, S; Motealleh, A; Miranda, P; Pajares, A; Lemos, A; Ferreira, JMF
our authors
Isabel Alexandra Fernandes Lemos
Post-doc Fellowship
José Maria da Fonte Ferreira
Retired Professoracknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Prof. Angel Luis Ortiz for his assistance in the analysis of XRD data. This study was supported by the Junta de Extremadura and FEDER Funds under grant IB10006. The support from Department of Materials Engineering and Ceramics, CICECO, University of Aveiro, is highly appreciated. Siamak Eqtesadi thanks the Universidad de Extremadura for his grant (Ref. 1105).