Degradation Behavior of Porous Calcium Phosphates

Concerning an ideal scaffold, evaluation of many factors, such as porosity, porous size and mechanical properties are needed so as to investigate degradation behavior in addition to chemistry and structure of materials used. In this study, the porous calcium phosphates were made on addition of a pore-former compound (PVA) by sinter processing. Mechanical properties, morphology, and weight change in in vitro testing were assessed. Experimental results indicated macropore sizes as large as hundreds of micrometers were generated and many micropores were also observed in the sintered body. After immersion in Hanks' solution, on the body surface there was a pitting appearance with immersion-induced micropores. The compressive strength of as-sintered bodies decreased steadily with addition of PVA. With increasing immersion time, the compressive strength and modulus of various porous bodies decreased and the weight loss increased. The biomedical uses of the present porous materials might limit to use as bone defect repair.