Fabrication and Characterization of LaF3-Reinforced Porous HA/Ti Scaffolds

To improve the performance of porous hydroxyapatite/titanium (HA/Ti) composites, LaF3 reinforced porous HA/Ti scaffolds with a porosity of approximately 60% were prepared via a powder metallurgical method, using NH4HCO3 as the pore-forming agent. The scaffolds induced HA formation and showed high bioactivity, and the compressive strength could be regulated by changing the LaF3 dosage. When the LaF3 dosage was 0.3%, the compressive strength of the porous scaffold was 65 MPa. Moreover, LaF3 reinforced porous HA/Ti scaffolds can further induce the deposition of calcium phosphate after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 7 days, indicating that the corresponding scaffold is an ideal choice for spongy bone repair.