Fabrication and Characterization of LaF[sub.3]-Reinforced Porous HA/Ti Scaffolds

To improve the performance of porous hydroxyapatite/titanium (HA/Ti) composites, LaF[sub.3] reinforced porous HA/Ti scaffolds with a porosity of approximately 60% were prepared via a powder metallurgical method, using NH[sub.4] HCO[sub.3] as the pore-forming agent. The scaffolds induced HA formation and showed high bioactivity, and the compressive strength could be regulated by changing the LaF[sub.3] dosage. When the LaF[sub.3] dosage was 0.3%, the compressive strength of the porous scaffold was 65 MPa. Moreover, LaF[sub.3] 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.