Abstract
This chapter presents the fundamentals of continuum micromechanics. This mathematical theory allows for explanation of mechanical interactions at the micro structural observation scales of the Hydroxyapatite (HA) biomaterials. In this way, macroscopic mechanical properties can be linked to micro structural characteristics. The chapter develops a continuum micromechanical concept for elasticity and strength of mono-porosity biomaterials made of hydroxyapatite. It verifies the validity of these micromechanics models for numerous different porous HA biomaterials, on the basis of physically and statistically independent morphological and mechanical tests. It also shows how to extend the developed theories to HA biomaterials with a hierarchical structure, that is, with a double-porosity. Such biomaterials have recently been introduced for tissue engineering purposes. The models will show the role of micro- and macro-porosity on the stiffness and strength properties of highly porous tissue engineering scaffolds.
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