The Porosity Design and Deformation Behavior Analysis of Additively Manufactured Bone Scaffolds through Finite Element Modelling and Mechanical Property Investigations

Additively manufactured synthetic bone scaffolds have emerged as promising candidates for the replacement and regeneration of damaged and diseased bones. By employing optimal pore architecture, including pore morphology, sizes, and porosities, 3D-printed scaffolds can closely mimic the mechanical properties of natural bone and withstand external loads. This study aims to investigate the deformation pattern exhibited by polymeric bone scaffolds fabricated using the PolyJet (PJ) 3D printing technique. Cubic and hexagonal closed-packed uniform scaffolds with porosities of 30%, 50%, and 70% are utilized in finite element (FE) models. The crushable foam plasticity model is employed to analyze the scaffolds' mechanical response under quasi-static compression. Experimental validation of the FE results demonstrates a favorable agreement, with an average percentage error of 12.27% +/- 7.1%. Moreover, the yield strength and elastic modulus of the scaffolds are evaluated and compared, revealing notable differences between cubic and hexagonal closed-packed designs. The 30%, 50%, and 70% porous cubic pore-shaped bone scaffolds exhibit significantly higher yield strengths of 46.89%, 58.29%, and 66.09%, respectively, compared to the hexagonal closed-packed bone scaffolds at percentage strains of 5%, 6%, and 7%. Similarly, the elastic modulus of the 30%, 50%, and 70% porous cubic pore-shaped bone scaffolds is 42.68%, 59.70%, and 58.18% higher, respectively, than the hexagonal closed-packed bone scaffolds at the same percentage strain levels. Furthermore, it is observed in comparison with our previous study the mu SLA-printed bone scaffolds demonstrate 1.5 times higher elastic moduli and yield strengths compared to the PJ-printed bone scaffolds.

Automated summary

Additively manufactured synthetic bone scaffolds have shown great potential in replacing and regenerating damaged bones. This study investigates the deformation pattern and mechanical response of polymeric bone scaffolds fabricated using the PolyJet 3D printing technique. The results reveal notable differences in yield strength and elastic modulus between cubic and hexagonal closed-packed designs, with cubic pore-shaped scaffolds exhibiting higher strength and stiffness. Furthermore, the study compares the performance of PJ-printed scaffolds with mu SLA-printed scaffolds, finding higher modulus and yield strength in the latter.