Micro-pore structures and compressive strengths of hydroxyapatite/wollastonite scaffolds prepared by freezing dry

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite (HA) has been wildly used in clinical practice for artificial implants. However, due to its inherent properties and preparation process, it is limited by low strength in practical applications. Therefore, highly porous hydroxyapatite scaffolds reinforced with 0 to 30 wt% doped wollastonite (WS) (HA/WS) were prepared by freeze-drying in combination with pressureless sintering method. The results demonstrated that WS could consistently improve the compressive properties of HA/WS scaffolds. The HA/WS scaffolds have optimal total porosity with good open pores and internal interconnections when the WS doping is 10%. In vitro osteoclast attachment experiments indicated that the HA/WS scaffolds had good biocompatibility. The findings of this study provide theoretical guidance for the application of HA in the field of artificial implants.