Preparation and characterisation of HA/TCP biphasic porous ceramic scaffolds with pore-oriented structure

Porous hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) ceramic scaffolds with a uniform unidirectional pore structure were successfully fabricated by an ice-templating method by using Ca-deficient HA whiskers and phosphate bioglass. HA whiskers showed good dispersibility in the slurry and favoured the formation of interconnected pores in the scaffolds. Addition of bioglass powders enhanced the material sintering process and the phase transformation of Ca-deficient HA to β-TCP. Calcium-phosphate-based scaffolds with a composition from HA to an HA/β-TCP complex could be obtained by controlling the freezing moulding system and slurry composition. The fabricated scaffolds had a porosity of 75-85%, compressive strength of 0.5-1.0 MPa, and a pore size range of 130-200 µm.