Micro-CT imaging and finite element models reveal how sintering temperature affects the microstructure and strength of bioactive glass-derived scaffolds

Abstract

Abstract This study focuses on the finite element simulation and micromechanical characterization of bioactive glass-ceramic scaffolds using Computed micro Tomography ( $$\upmu$$ μ CT) imaging. The main purpose of this work is to quantify the effect of sintering temperature on the morphometry and mechanical performance of the scaffolds. In particular, the scaffolds were produced using a novel bioactive glass material (47.5B) through foam replication, applying six different sintering temperatures. Through $$\upmu$$ μ CT imaging, detailed three-dimensional images of the scaffold’s internal structure are obtained, enabling the extraction of important geometric features and how these features change with sintering temperature. A finite element model is then developed based on the $$\upmu$$ μ CT images to simulate the fracture process under uniaxial compression loading. The model incorporates scaffold heterogeneity and material properties—also depending on sintering temperature—to capture the mechanical response, including crack initiation, propagation, and failure. Scaffolds sintered at temperatures equal to or higher than 700 $$^{\circ }$$ ∘ C exhibit two-scale porosity, with micro and macro pores. Finite element analyses revealed that the dual porosity significantly affects fracture mechanisms, as micro-pores attract cracks and weaken strength. Interestingly, scaffolds sintered at high temperatures, the overall strength of which is higher due to greater intrinsic strength, showed lower normalized strength compared to low-temperature scaffolds. By using a combined strategy of finite element simulation and $$\upmu$$ μ CT-based characterization, bioactive glass-ceramic scaffolds can be optimized for bone tissue engineering applications by learning more about their micromechanical characteristics and fracture response.