EFFECT OF PARTICLE SIZE, BINDER CONTENT AND HEAT TREATMENT ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF 13-93 BIOACTIVE GLASS SCAFFOLDS

摘要

Particle size, binder content and the post-processing schedule are important parameters that affect the microstructure, and, hence, the mechanical properties of parts produced using the indirect selective laser sintering process. 13-93 bioactive glass, with mean particle sizes ranging from 10 um to 44 urn, is mixed with different amounts of stearic acid binder to fabricate green scaffolds. Through the design of the post-processing schedule, the time required for postprocessing the green scaffolds is reduced from the initial 80 hrs to 12 hrs. The compressive strength varies from 41 MPa for a part with -60% porosity to 157 MPa for a part with no designed porosity. Several batches of 13-93 scaffolds are soaked in a simulated body fluid for different time intervals ranging from 1 week to 6 weeks. The amount of hydroxyapatite formed and subsequent mechanical properties are provided and discussed.