Microstructure Control of HAp Based Artificial Bone Using Multi-extrusion Process

Porous hydroxyapatite has been widely used as clinical implanted material. However, it has poor mechanical properties. To increase the strength as well as the biocompatibility of the porous HAp based artificial bone, it was fabricated by multi-extrusion process. Hydroxyapatite and graphite powders were mixed separately with ethylene vinely acetate and steric acid by shear mixing process. Hydroxyapatite composites containing porous microstructure were fabricated by arranging it in the die and subject it to extrusion process. Burn-out and sintering processes were performed to remove the binder and graphite as well as increase the density. The external and internal diameter of cylindrical hollow core were approximately 10.4 mm and 4.2 mm, respectively. The size of pore channel designed to increase bone growth (osteconduction) was around 150 ${\mu}m$ in diameter. X-ray diffraction analysis and SEM observation were performed to identity the crystal structure and the detailed microstructure, respectively.