This paper presents the results of a study of the production of porous biodegradable composite materials by
co-grinding, followed by scaffolding. Dry powders of polylactic acid and nanocrystalline carbonated apatite,
analogous to bone mineral were co-ground in a tumbling ball mill in order to disperse the mineral filler
within the polymer. Porous scaffolds were then made by hot moulding the mixture of the two components
along with a pore-forming agent which was subsequently eliminated by washing. The mechanical resistance
of the scaffolds was evaluated in order to determine the best operating conditions to produce implants
offering optimised properties for use as bone substitutes. It was shown that 30 wt.% of filler and 70 wt.% of
pore-forming agent produce scaffolds which are sufficiently porous and resistan
