Investigators: Dr Irene Turner, Professor Tony Miles, Dr Yu-Hsiu HSU
Stream: Research Fellowship
Topic: Biomaterials (HA)
Status: Completed
Novel techniques have been developed for the fabrication of functional gradient materials with interconnected porosity. It has been demonstrated that FGM with two different pore sizes with no fractures at the interface can be manufactured successfully.The average four-point bend strength of the FGM was comparable to that for the homogeneous porous samples. The interface of FGM was not the source of weakness. A FGM with a gradient of porosity, which changes with position, could be produced by compressed trapezoidal foams.
Using these methods to make a FGM ensures that the pores present in different parts of the composite structure were interconnected. The results also showed simulation of a bimodal structure close to that found in natural bone is possible. The techniques developed in this study are amenable to the manufacture of gradient porosity with complex geometries when compared to most existing methods which can only be used to manufacture flat layered porous graded structures. Many clinical applications can be developed due to the easy procedure.
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