Porous low modulus Ti40Nb compacts with electrodeposited hydroxyapatite coating for biomedical applications

Porous ß-type non-toxic Ti40Nb alloy was prepared by compaction of mechanically alloyed powder mixed with NaCl or Mg particles as space-holder material. The compacts with porosity of 36–80% demonstrated a very low Young's modulus of ~ 1.5–3 GPa and compression strength of ~ 10–35 MPa, which is suitable for potential implant material application. Porous samples were electrochemically covered with hydroxyapatite. The influence of the deposition time and of the electrolyte concentrations on the morphology of the hydroxyapatite coating was studied. It is demonstrated that a homogenous coating of hydroxyapatite crystals with different shape and size can be obtained on the surface of the porous samples.

► Ti40Nb samples with porous architecture were prepared.
► The Young's modulus in compression was around 3 to 4 GPa.
► Porous samples were covered with hydroxyapatite.
► Different hydroxyapatite sizes and morphologies were obtained.
► The coating was checked by different methods to prove it to be hydroxyapatite.