Loadable TiO2-scaffolds -a correlation study between processing parameters, micro CT analysis and mechanical strength

Abstract

It has been shown in this study that it is possible to produce TiO2 scaffold which are both mechanical loadable and with high reproducibility by means of the polymer sponge method. TiO2 scaffolds were made which exceeded 1 MPa in compressive strength. No other studies with TiO2 scaffolds have reported with equally high compressive strength and at the same time an average porosity close to 90% and a fully open porosity. Reduction of porosity leads to even further reinforce the scaffolds mechanical structure. A statistical correlation study with 160 tested scaffolds defined the most important manufacturing steps and the governing morphological characteristics for the scaffold s increased mechanical strength. The key manufacturing factors were holding phase during sintering time for more than 30 hours (at 1500°C) and multiply coating of the scaffold. The crucial μCT parameters for mechnical strength were fractal dimension of the struts and porosity.