Selective laser sintering of hydroxyapatite reinforced polyethylene composites for bioactive implants and tissue scaffold development

Hao, L., Savalani, M.M., Zhang, Y., Tanner, K.E. and Harris, R.A. (2006) Selective laser sintering of hydroxyapatite reinforced polyethylene composites for bioactive implants and tissue scaffold development. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part H: Journal of Engineering in Medicine, 220(4), pp. 521-531. (doi: 10.1243/09544119JEIM67)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1243/09544119JEIM67

Abstract

Selective laser sintering (SLS) has been investigated for the production of bioactive implants and tissue scaffolds using composites of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) reinforced with hydroxyapatite (HA) with the aim of achieving the rapid manufacturing of customized implants. Single-layer and multilayer block specimens made of HA-HDPE composites with 30 and 40 vol % HA were sintered successfully using a CO2 laser sintering system. Laser power and scanning speed had a significant effect on the sintering behaviour. The degree of particle fusion and porosity were influenced by the laser processing parameters, hence control can be attained by varying these parameters. Moreover, the SLS processing allowed exposure of HA particles on the surface of the composites and thereby should provide bioactive products. Pores existed in the SLS-fabricated composite parts and at certain processing parameters a significant fraction of the pores were within the optimal sizes for tissue regeneration. The results indicate that the SLS technique has the potential not only to fabricate HA-HDPE composite products but also to produce appropriate features for their application as bioactive implants and tissue scaffolds.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Selective laser sintering, hydroxyapatite, polyethylene, bioactive implants, tissue scaffolds.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Tanner, Professor Kathleen
Authors: Hao, L., Savalani, M.M., Zhang, Y., Tanner, K.E., and Harris, R.A.
Subjects:R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
T Technology > T Technology (General)
T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Biomedical Engineering
Journal Name:Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part H: Journal of Engineering in Medicine
Publisher:Professional Engineering Publishing
ISSN:0954-4119
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2006 Professional Engineering Publishing
First Published:First published in Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part H: Journal of Engineering in Medicine 221-H(4):521-531
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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