PVB modified spherical granules of β-TCP by spray drying for 3D ceramic printing

Abstract

Monodispersed and spherical β-TCP granules for 3D printing were prepared by spray drying with the surface modification of PVB. Modifier PVB attached to the particle surface to form the crosslinked network structure and keep them combine with each other into aggregates. The morphology, size, forming performance and crushing behavior of granules as well as the microstructure and density of as-fabricated β-TCP ceramics were used to optimize the PVB contents. Promising results could be expected that PVB contents were 1.0 wt.% and the average particle size of granules was 37.36 μm. The modified granules exhibited excellent forming performance with monodispersed and spherical aggregates for 3D printing. They could be completely crushed under 80 MPa without obvious inter-granules void. These granules with 1.0 wt.% PVB had defined strengths for ceramic forming. The good dispersity and flowability assured the high density and uniform porous structure of β-TCP ceramics, which were used as biological ceramic materials and completely met the standard for bone tissue engineering.