Morphological Characterization of 3D Porous Scaffolds Based on Portland Cement
There is a constant need for bone substitutes. This work was focused on evaluating morphological characteristics of new bioceramic three-dimensional scaffold for bone tissue engineering based on Portland cement with air-voids introduced by outgassing reaction product from lime and aluminum powder. Pores morphology was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Bulk density, apparent density, and apparent porosity were measured by Archimedes method. Water absorption by total immersion and by capillarity was also investigated. The results have indicated that cement based scaffolds exhibit a hierarchical structure with interconnected macropores and a micropores framework that indicate potential use of the developed porous materials as bone substitutes.