A concept for functional bioceramics with embedded metallization using cold sintering

We demonstrate a novel concept for fabricating bioceramic multilayers with embedded metallization at low temperatures. Using direct cold sintering, i.e., high-pressure consolidation at 1000 MPa and 50 °C without transient phase or added binder, we produced gelatine-including hydroxyapatite (HAP) ceramics (70 wt% HAP) with embedded gold (Au) structures. The proposed method eliminates the need for thermal treatment or debinding steps, commonly required for multilayered ceramics with embedded metallization. Obtained ceramic-metal interfaces show good integrity with no delamination when loose ceramic powders consolidated with metallization. The integrity of the interface is attributed to increased roughness between two phases. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of producing multilayered functional bioceramics with embedded circuitry through direct cold sintering of HAP-gelatin powders with Au structures.