Fabrication of porous bioactive structures using the selective laser sintering technique.

Savalani, M.M., Hao, L., Zhang, Y., Tanner, K.E. and Harris, R.A. (2007) Fabrication of porous bioactive structures using the selective laser sintering technique. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part H: Journal of Engineering in Medicine, 221-H(8), pp. 873-886. (doi: 10.1243/09544119JEIM232)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1243/09544119JEIM232

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite, a ceramic with which natural bone inherently bonds, has been incorporated into a polymer matrix to enhance the bioactivity of implant materials. In order to manufacture custom-made bioactive implants rapidly, selective laser sintering has been investigated to fabricate hydroxyapatite and polyamide composites and their properties investigated. One objective of this research was to identify the maximum hydroxyapatite content that could be incorporated into the matrix, which was sintered at various parameters. The study focused on investigating the control of porosity and pore size of the matrix by manipulating the selective laser sintering parameters of the laser power and laser scan speed. The interception method was used to analyse the internal porous morphology of the matrices which were cross-sectioned through the vertical plane. Most notably, all structures built demonstrated interconnection and penetration throughout the matrix. Liquid displacement was also used to analyse the porosity of the matrices. The laser power showed a negative relationship between porosity and variation in parameter values until a critical power value was reached. However, the same relationship for laser scan speed matrices was inconsistent. The effects of the laser power and laser scanning speed on the features of porous structures that could influence cell spreading, proliferation, and bone regeneration are presented.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:rapid manufacturing, selective laser sintering, hydroxyapatite, polyamide, bioactive implants
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Tanner, Professor Kathleen
Authors: Savalani, M.M., Hao, L., Zhang, Y., Tanner, K.E., and Harris, R.A.
Subjects:R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
T Technology > T Technology (General)
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

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