A novel approach to fabricate 3D open cellular structure of Mg10Zn alloy with controlled morphology

Magnesium and its alloys are getting more attention in the field of tissue engineering as it is biodegradable as well as biocompatible. An open cell structure in particular offers the advantage of body fluid transportation through it and allows the growth of new tissues. Open cell Mg foams with pore interconnectivity are difficult to fabricate from conventional techniques. In the present work, a novel approach has been successfully developed to fabricate the open cell Mg structures with pore interconnectivity using powder metallurgy route and Ti-woven wire mesh as a space holding material. Pore morphology and percentage porosity can be easily altered by adjusting the Ti-wire diameter and shape of construct. Ti-woven wire mesh in the shape of netted wire gave the best result in terms of homogeneity of pores and strength. Maximum porosity achieved is 60% and ultimate tensile strength is measured to be 78 MPa for the porous structure.