Porosity control of hydroxyapatite implants

Conformation of hydroxyapatite (HAp) bodies was carried out using a multiple slip-casting technique, in order to obtain dual-layer samples with differential sized porosities. The external layer, because of its porosity, controlled by the addition of organic compounds (polyvinyl polyacrylate, PVC), will promote bone ingrowth. The internal denser layer, due to the addition of lithium phosphate (Li3PO4) as sintering additive, will give mechanical resistance to the implant. HAp aqueous suspensions were characterized by rheological measurements. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and intrusion mercury porosimetry (MP) were used to characterize sintered bodies. It can be concluded that it is possible to introduce gross porosity in HAp bodies by the addition of organic compounds. The results show that a compatible shrinking of the layers during the sintering process and a good frequency of pores with an appropriate size in the external layer can be achieved with the use of organic additives. (C) 1999 Kluwer Academic Publishers.