Mechanical characterization of 45S5 bioactive glass-derived scaffolds

The mechanical reliability of 45S5 bioactive glass-derived scaffolds was quantified, for the first time, by determining the Weibull modulus (m) in compressive loading mode. The scaffolds were fabricated by sponge replication followed by sinter-crystallization (main crystalline phase Na2CaSi2O6) and exhibited a trabecular pore-strut 3D architecture. The Weibull modulus (m = 6) was higher than most of those reported in the literature for bioactive glass and ceramic scaffolds. The compressive strength was found dependent on porosity according to a power-law relationship. The mechanical properties and bone-like macroporous structure of these glass–ceramic scaffolds show great promise for use in bone repair applications.