Micro-Computed Tomography of Interconnected Mg-TCP Composites Obtained by Current Assisted Metal Infiltration

conference paper

English

Magnesium and calcium phosphates composites are promising biomaterials to create biodegradable load-bearing implants for bone regeneration. The present investigation id focused on the design of an interpenetrated magnesium – tricalcium phosphate (Mg-TCP) composite. In the study, TCP scaffolds were 3D-printed with a tip of 250um in aperture. Final scaffolds with parallel grids and internal macro-pores of 45, 350, 500 and 1000um were obtained and sintered at 11oC for 5h. Later, the infiltration with commercial pure Mg using a new technique named Current Assisted Metal Infiltration (CAMI) was performed. CAMI is a novel technique that allows molten metal infiltration even into brittle ceramic preforms in less than 15 minutes. Fast melting and final solidification of the Mg-TCP composite is achieved with the assistance of a pulsed electrical current as heating resource. The effects of pore size on infiltration were analyzed by X-ray computer microtomography (CT). Virtual tomographic reconstructions were used to observe the components distribution and the remaining porosity of the composite after the infiltration. Results show, a good penetration of the metal into the TCP scaffolds. Nevertheless, fracture of some TCP structures after the infiltration was observed, mainly in those scaffolds with pores of 45um. Some porosity after infiltration was observe d, however, it does not exceed 5% of the total volume of the specimen. Pores were located outside of in the periphery of the preform and were produced during the solidification of magnesium.

Magnesium; Tricalcium Phosphate; Current Assisted Metal Infiltration; Micro- Computed Tomography

CASAS LUNA, M.; TKACHENKO, S.; KLAKURKOVÁ, L.; TORRES RODRÍGUEZ, J.; ZIKMUND, T.

9. 1. 2018

TANGER Ltd.

Ostrava

978-80-87294-79-6

Metal 2017 Conference Prosceedings

1669

1675

6