Fabrication of macroporous amorphous calcium phosphate ceramic scaffolds by pressure-driven sintering at sub-zero temperature using ice microspheres as space holders

Key Points

• The aim is to assess the fabrication of macroporous amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) ceramic scaffolds using ice as a space holder during sintering.
• Utilized pressure-driven sintering at sub-zero temperatures to create ACP scaffolds.
• Implemented ice microspheres to introduce controlled porosity in the ceramic.
• Evaluated the mechanical properties and crack formation limits at various densification pressures.
• The mechanical properties of sub-zero sintered ACP ceramics approached those of conventional hydroxyapatite.
• Controlled porosity was successfully achieved using ice microspheres as space holders.
• Crack formation occurred at densification pressures exceeding the stability limits of ice.