Macro-Porous Aluminum Oxide-Boron Carbide Ceramics for Hard Tissue Applications

This paper focuses on the development of high-quality bioceramic foams for the treatment of hard tissue defects, which are a widespread clinical problem worldwide. In this experimental study, ?-alumina (Al2O3) ceramics with boron carbide (B4C) additives, intended for use in biomedical applications, were produced and characterized as highly porous using the replication method. The thermal properties of open-pore polyurethane sponges, with a pore size of 20 ppi, used as an economical polymer model material, were determined by thermo-gravimetric (TGA) and derivative thermogravimetric analysis (DTG). Ceramic foams based on Al2O3, with varying B4C ratios, were obtained by high-temperature sintering and were thoroughly examined using high-resolution field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM) for homogeneity, high porosity, and interconnected pore microstructure. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed the presence of B4C within the structure and phase changes. The compressive strength values of sintered ceramic foams containing 0%, 3%, and 5% B4C by weight were measured as 1.92 MPa, 2.05 MPa, and 2.38 MPa, respectively. In vitro tests were performed to evaluate the biological response that biomaterials intended for use in living environments would produce. Satisfactory results were obtained from cell viability experiments, demonstrating that the addition of B4C to Al2O3-based ceramic foams supports cell proliferation, which is an important advantage in hard tissue defect treatment.