Porous alumina ceramic scaffolds with biomimetic macro/micro-porous structure using three-dimensional (3-D) ceramic/camphene-based extrusion

Abstract

This study demonstrates the versatility of 3-dimensional ceramic/camphene-based extrusion (3D-Ex) using a frozen alumina/camphene body as a feedstock for the production of porous alumina scaffolds with a biomimetic macro/micro-porous structure. Three-dimensionally interconnected macropores were constructed through the deposition of frozen alumina/camphene filaments at a stacking sequence of 0 degrees/90 degrees, while aligned micropores were created in alumina frameworks as the replica of camphene dendrites that had been extensively elongated by the extrusion of a frozen alumina/camphene body. The macro/micro-porous structure and compressive strength of porous alumina scaffolds could be tailored by adjusting initial alumina content in alumina/camphene slurries. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.