Photosensitive Fluorapatite Suspensions for 3D Printing by Digital Light Processing: Preliminary Studies and Potential Applications

Abstract

This study aimed to carry out preliminary in vitro evaluations to analyze the effect of different dispersants at various concentrations on the rheology and stability of photosensitive suspensions for 3D printing by Digital Light Processing. To this end, particle size characterization, preparation of photosensitive suspensions and their viscosity and stability characterizations were carried out. The result was a powder characterized as having a polymodal distribution. In the viscosity test, the fluids showed different behaviors according to the dispersant, being pseudoplastic for BYK-111 and dilatant for BYK-2001, and in the stability test, both solutions were unstable and showed a high sedimentation rate. Therefore, it was concluded that in order to produce a photosensitive fluorapatite suspension for 3D printing, further studies with these and other dispersants will be necessary in order to find a formulation that meets both the requirements of low viscosity and greater stability.