Nano-hydroxyapatite improves the properties of β-tricalcium phosphate bone scaffolds

β-Tricalcium phosphates have been widely used as biomaterials for bone substitutes; however, the poor mechanical properties limit the application in bearing loading bones. In this study, nano-hydroxyapatite has been introduced to improve the mechanical properties for porous bioceramic scaffolds. Nanocomposites containing 0-10 wt% needle-like nano-hydroxyapatite were prepared for investigation. It has been found that needle-like nano-hydroxyapatite improves the toughness, hardness, and compressive strength of the porous β-tricalcium phosphates scaffolds, as well as the microstructure properties. The study provides a reference for the development of safe, excellent bone scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.