Limited bone bank capacity and risk of infection are some of the main
drawbacks of autologous and allogenic grafts, giving rise to synthetic
materials for bone tissue implants. The aim of this study was to process and
evaluate the mechanical properties and bioactivity of magnesium and
strontium doped hydroxyapatite (HAp) scaffolds and investigate the effect of
adding zirconium oxide and gelatine coating the scaffolds. Doped nanosized
hydroxyapatite powder was synthesized by the hydrothermal method and the
scaffolds were made by the foam replica technique and sintered at different
temperatures. Yttria-stabilized zirconium oxide (YSZ), synthesized by plasma
technology, was used as reinforcement of calcium phosphate scaffolds.
Element analysis, phase composition, morphology of the powders and
microstructure of the scaffolds were investigated, as well as the
compressive strength of the coated and uncoated scaffolds and bioactivity in
simulated body fluid (SBF). A microporous structure was achieved with
interconnected pores and bioactivity in SBF was confirmed in all cases. The
best mechanical properties were given by the coated composite HAp/YSZ
scaffolds, withstanding average stresses of over 1019 kPa. These results
encourage the idea of use of these scaffolds in bone regenerative therapy
and bone tissue engineering.