Three-dimensional Ta foams produced by replication of NaCl space-holders

Abstract This study reports the preparation of a novel porous tantalum (Ta) scaffold and the compressive property of the metallic implants. Porous Ta was produced by a thermal heat treatment method and subsequent circulating water treatments. The porous Ta scaffolds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, quasi-static uniaxial compressive tests, and protein adsorption. It was found that the scaffold had three-dimensional hierarchical porous structures with pore size ranging from nanometer to micrometer scale. Mechanical test results showed that the scaffold has sufficient compressive strength to meet the requirements of implantation. Protein adsorption results indicated that the Ta foams are expected to be used as biocompatible implant materials.