Morphological and mechanical characterisation of three-dimensional gyroid structures fabricated by electron beam melting for the use as a porous biomaterial

Additive manufactured porous biomaterials based on triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) are a highly discussed topic in the literature. With their unique properties in terms of open porosity, large surface area and surface curvature, they are considered to have bone mimicking properties and remarkable osteogenic potential. In this study, scaffolds of gyroid unit cells of different sizes consisting of a Ti6Al4V alloy were manufactured additively by electron beam melting (EBM). The scaffolds were analysed by micro-computed tomography (microCT) to determine their morphological characteristics and, subsequently, subjected to mechanical tests to investigate their quasi-static compressive properties and fatigue resistance. All scaffolds showed an average open porosity of 71-81%, with an average pore size of 0.64-1.41 mm, depending on the investigated design. The design with the smallest unit cell shows the highest quasi-elastic gradient (QEG) as well as the highest compressive offset stress and compression strength. Furthermore, the fatigue resistance of all unit cell size (UCS) variations showed promising results. In detail, the smallest unit cells achieved fatigue strength at 106 cycles at 45% of their compressive offset stress, which is comparatively good for additively manufactured porous biomaterials. In summary, it is demonstrated that the mechanical properties can be significantly modified by varying the unit cell size, thus enabling the scaffolds to be specifically tailored to avoid stress shielding and ensure implant safety. Together with the morphological properties of the gyroid unit cells, the fabricated scaffolds represent a promising approach for use as a bone substitute material.

Automated summary

Additive manufactured porous biomaterials based on TPMS were fabricated and analyzed for their morphological and mechanical properties. Results showed that the scaffolds had open porosity ranging from 71-81% and pore sizes between 0.64-1.41mm, with mechanical properties significantly influenced by unit cell size variations.