Novel forsterite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering: selective laser sintering fabrication and characterisation

The interconnected porous forsterite scaffolds were prepared by selective laser sintering at laser power from 4 to 10 W. The microstructure and composition of the scaffolds were analysed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The mechanical properties were investigated with a universal testing system and a Vickers microindenter. The results showed that the sintering degree increased with increasing the laser power until a critical laser power had been reached (8 W). With the further increase of laser power, a few irregular cracks and voids occurred. It was attributed to the rapid outward expansion of the gas inside the powder layer, which was caused by the acute rising of temperature resulting from high laser power. The optimum compressive strength, elastic moduli and fracture toughness were 28.70 +/- 1.24 MPa, 154.72 +/- 6.95 MPa and 1.93 +/- 0.24 MPa m(1/2) respectively. It was shown that MG-63 cells adhered, spread and grew well on the forsterite scaffolds, suggesting that the forsterite scaffolds might be appropriate for bone tissue engineering applications.