Porous hydroxyapatite bioceramics produced by impregnation of 3D-printed wax mold: Slurry feature optimization

Nowadays, new engineering developments that combine computational methods and additive manufacturing are able to overcome the current limitations of conventional ceramic manufacturing methods. In this context, a robust bioceramic manufacturing process based on the impregnation of three-dimensional (3D) printed wax molds was developed. The innovative and creative potential of this process is based on the ability to impregnate homogeneously a complex structural design in a reproducible way. We investigated on the optimization of hydroxyapatite slurry based on its preparation parameters. Scaffolds were successfully produced with a wide range of slurry formulations. The results indicate that the bioceramics quality is primarily determined by the slurry drying rate in contact with the mold for a suspension viscosity less than or equal to 80 mPa s. In addition, this process, which allows for phase preservation, can be easily adapted to a large variety of ceramic phases and a wide range of biological applications.