Additively manufactured heterogeneously porous metallic bone with biostructural functions and bone-like mechanical properties

A compatible artificial bone implant requires large pores for enhanced nutrients transports, small pores to allow cell seeding and bone-like mechanical properties to avoid stress shielding. Herein, we report novel improved gyroid lattices with millimetre-scaled gyroid wall spacings and micrometre-scaled additional pores on the walls. Designs are successfully fabricated by electron beam melting using Ti-6Al-4V to high part qualities while exhibiting bone-like mechanical properties with a range of Young's modulus of 8-15 GPa and strength of 150-250 MPa. The improved design also eliminates brittle failure by allowing the structure to deform more stably. (C) 2020 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology.

Automated summary

The study introduces an improved gyroid lattice design for artificial bone implants, featuring excellent mechanical properties and high quality fabrication. The design exhibits bone-like mechanical properties and eliminates brittle failure by allowing more stable deformation of the structure.