Indirect selective laser sintering of apatite-wollostonite glass-ceramic

Proc Inst Mech Eng H. 2008 Oct;222(7):1107-14. doi: 10.1243/09544119JEIM411.

Abstract

This paper develops an indirect selective laser sintering (SLS) processing route for apatite-wollastonite (A-W) glass-ceramic, and shows that the processing route, which can create porous three-dimensional products suitable for bone implants or scaffolds, does not affect the excellent mechanical and biological properties of the glass-ceramic. 'Green parts' with fine integrity and well-defined shape have been produced from glass particles of single-size range or mixed-size ranges with acrylic binder in various ratios by weight. A subsequent heat treatment process has been developed to optimize the crystallization process, and an infiltration process has been explored to enhance mechanical strength. Three-point bending test results show flexural strengths of up to 102 MPa, dependent on porosity, and simulated body fluid (SBF) tests show that the laser sintered porous A-W has comparable biological properties to that of conventionally produced A-W.

MeSH terms

  • Apatites / chemistry*
  • Apatites / radiation effects
  • Bone Substitutes / chemistry*
  • Bone Substitutes / radiation effects*
  • Calcium Compounds / chemistry*
  • Calcium Compounds / radiation effects
  • Ceramics / chemistry*
  • Ceramics / radiation effects
  • Glass / chemistry*
  • Glass / radiation effects
  • Heating / methods*
  • Lasers*
  • Materials Testing
  • Silicates / chemistry*
  • Silicates / radiation effects

Substances

  • Apatites
  • Bone Substitutes
  • Calcium Compounds
  • Silicates
  • calcium silicate