Abstract
Porous HA scaffolds were fabricated by using the polyurethane sponge template method and varying the compressive ratio at 95%, 75% and 50%. Two phase composite scaffolds were then fabricated by introducing collagen (COL) sponge or COL sponge with HA particles into the HA scaffolds. The porous microstructure of fabricated biomaterials were characterized by FE-SEM and compression tests were performed to evaluate mechanical properties. It was revealed that the incorporation of COL or COL/HA materials into the pure HA scaffolds enhanced the mechanical properties significantly. Higher compressive rate corresponds to higher porosity, and therefore lower mechanical properties. By introducing COL or COL/HA secondary phase, the compressive properties were effectively improved. Relationships between the mechanical properties and the porosity were found to be approximated by quadratic functions.
