Fabrication, micro-computed tomography based quantitative 3D microstructure evaluation of 3D printed bioceramic scaffolds and FE modelling of biomedical implant prototypes

Abstract

In summary, this thesis provides the following outcomes: a) Formulation of novel powder-binder combination for 3D powder printing of resorbable bone-tissue scaffold. b) The effect of post-processing approach on the macro and microstructure, phase composition and mechanical properties of a 3DPP system (POP-based). c) Extensive use of ¹CT to provide 3D qualitative and quantitative microstructural analyses along with in situ mechanical characterisation of failure behaviour. d) Establishment of a non-destructive workflow on the basis of ¹CT imaging coupled with FE modelling or analysis (FEM or FEA) for local mechanical property prediction. Taken together, this dissertation established 3D powder printing as a viable manufacturing technique to fabricate designed porous scaffolds and also the efficacy of ¹CT-FEA modelling based combinatorial approach for local mechanical response in porous scaffolds and dense biomedical device prototypes