Diametral compression behavior of biomedical titanium scaffolds with open, interconnected pores prepared with the space holder method

Scaffolds with open, interconnected pores and appropriate mechanical properties are required to provide mechanical support and to guide the formation and development of new tissue in bone tissue engineering. Since the mechanical properties of the scaffold tend to decrease with increasing porosity, a balance must be sought in order to meet these two conflicting requirements. In this research, open, interconnected pores and mechanical properties of biomedical titanium scaffolds prepared by using the space holder method were characterized. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and permeability analysis were carried out to quantify the porous structures and ascertain the presence of open, interconnected pores in the scaffolds fabricated. Diametral compression (DC) tests were performed to generate stress-strain diagrams that could be used to determine the elastic moduli and yield strengths of the scaffolds. Deformation and failure mechanisms involved in the DC tests of the titanium scaffolds were examined. The results of micro-CT and permeability analyses confirmed the presence of open, interconnected pores in the titanium scaffolds with porosity over a range of 31–61%. Among these scaffolds, a maximum specific surface area could be achieved in the scaffold with a total porosity of 5–55%. DC tests showed that the titanium scaffolds with elastic moduli and yield strengths of 0.64–3.47 GPa and 28.67–80 MPa, respectively, could be achieved. By comprehensive consideration of specific surface area, permeability and mechanical properties, the titanium scaffolds with porosities in a range of 50−55% were recommended to be used in cancellous bone tissue engineering.