Preparation of SiC reinforced Ti3SiC2-base composite and its biocompatibility evaluation

Soft Ti3SiC2 ceramic is a new class of potential biomaterial for orthopaedic applications and dental implants. Introducing SiC into Ti3SiC2 can compensate for the relatively low hardness of the Ti3SiC2 implants. In this study, SiC reinforced Ti3SiC2-base composites were fabricated by reactive sintering of powder compacts. Mechanical properties and phase constitution of the prepared samples were studied. Biocompatibility of the composite was evaluated by implanting the material onto the shaft surface of the femur of a rabbit, while, biostability was studied by immersing the material into human blood plasma and also into a simulated body fluid (Hank's) for prolonged time.