摘要 |
A method of making a porous article composed of bonded particles and having a controlled level of porosity, pore size and interconnectivity comprises the steps of: <SL> <LI>a) forming a dispersion comprising a liquid carrier, the particles to be bonded and a polymerisable monomeric material; <LI>b) introducing small bubbles of oxygen containing gas into the dispersion with agitation to form a foam which is allowed to caused to coalesce; <LI>c) adjusting the concentration of oxygen within the foaming gas to control the onset of polymerisation, then <LI>d) polymerising the foamed structure; <LI>e) drying the structure to remove the liquid carrier and provide a solid article having pores derived from the bubbles, and <LI>f) firing the article to remove the organic binder and provide a ceramic bond. </SL> The particles may be of hydroxyapatite, which gives a product used in bone cell culture, or for carrying drugs. |