Effect of sintering temperature on microstructure of TiO2 scaffold

Abstract

Due to an excellent biocompatibility of titanium dioxide (TiO2), it is promising to use as scaffolds for inducing bone formation. The well-interconnected pore scaffolds were fabricated by sponge replication method in order to promote osteoblast ingrowth and vascularization. The viscosity of the slurry was adjusted by addition of calcium chloride (CaCl2) which led to more uniformity and densification. The effects of sintering temperatures on microstructure were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and microcomputed tomography (Micro-CT). Our experiments showed that the higher sintering temperature increased the grain size and more uniformity of the scaffold. Furthermore, the struts became more rounded and microcracks were not observed which probably correlated to the higher density of scaffold. Thus, it is suggested that optimization of sintering temperatures might allow better control of grain growth and result in more microstructural uniformity.