Freeform extrusion fabrication of titanium fiber reinforced 13-93 bioactive glass scaffolds

Although implants made with bioactive glass have shown promising results for bone repair, their application in repairing load-bearing long bone is limited due to their poor mechanical properties in comparison to human bone. This work investigates the freeform extrusion fabrication of bioactive silicate 13-93 glass scaffolds reinforced with titanium (Ti) fibers. A composite paste prepared with 13-93 glass and Ti fibers (similar to 16 mu m in diameter and lengths varying from similar to 200 mu m to similar to 2 mm) was extruded through a nozzle to fabricate scaffolds (0-90 degrees filament orientation pattern) on a heated plate. The sintered scaffolds measured pore sizes ranging from 400 to 800 gm and a porosity of similar to 50%. Scaffolds with 0.4 vol% Ti fibers measured fracture toughness of similar to 0.8 MPa m(1/2) and a flexural strength of similar to 15 MPa. 13-93 glass scaffolds without Ti fibers had a toughness of similar to 0.5 MPa m(1/2) and a strength of similar to 10 MPa. The addition of Ti fibers increased the fracture toughness of the scaffolds by similar to 70% and flexural strength by similar to 40%. The scaffolds' biocompatibility and their degradation in mechanical properties in vitro were assessed by immersing the scaffolds in a simulated body fluid over a period of one to four weeks. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.