Calcium sulfate (CS) combines remarkable properties of biodegradability, biocompatibility, and osteoconductivity but its low strength limits the range of its applications in orthopaedic surgery. In this study we have addressed this limitation by optimizing the fabrication process for pure CS, and by using mechanical testing procedures which are relevant for load carrying, or structural bone grafts (flexural tests in hydrated condition). By optimizing the processing parameters (pressure during setting, CS powder to water ratio, saturated solution) we produced CS samples with the highest flexural strength ever reported in hydrated conditions. Once these optimal conditions are used, the addition of “reinforcing” inclusions in the material decreased its strength because these inclusions actually act as defects instead of reinforcements. In addition, the CS can be formed in precise shapes while maintaining optimal processing conditions and provided a strength similar to that of bone with the same dimensions. Dense and porous materials can be combined to duplicate the trabecular and cortical architecture of long bones, with only a small loss of overall strength.

中文翻译：

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最大限度地提高结构骨移植物的硫酸钙强度。

硫酸钙 (CS) 结合了生物降解性、生物相容性和骨传导性的显着特性，但其低强度限制了其在骨科手术中的应用范围。在这项研究中，我们通过优化纯 CS 的制造工艺以及使用与承载相关的机械测试程序或结构骨移植物（水合条件下的弯曲测试）来解决这一限制。通过优化加工参数（凝固过程中的压力、CS 粉水比、饱和溶液），我们生产了在水合条件下具有最高弯曲强度的 CS 样品。一旦使用了这些最佳条件，在材料中添加“增强”夹杂物会降低其强度，因为这些夹杂物实际上是作为缺陷而不是增强材料。此外，CS 可以形成精确的形状，同时保持最佳的加工条件，并提供与具有相同尺寸的骨骼相似的强度。可以组合致密和多孔的材料来复制长骨的小梁和皮质结构，而整体强度只有很小的损失。