Mechanical and biotribological properties of ceramic–metal composites (TiC/Ti–15Mo and SiC/Ti–15Mo) for joint prostheses and the effects of additive metallic elements of W, Nb, and Ir

Ceramic–metal composites based on TiC or SiC with a metallic phase of Ti–15Mo and, optionally, additional metallic elements were prepared by means of spark plasma sintering as biomaterials with high strength and high resistance to wear for potential use in joint prostheses. The mechanical and biotribological properties of the composites were evaluated by measuring their hardness, bending strength, fracture toughness, and wear resistance. The effects were examined of adding metallic tungsten, niobium, or iridium to TiC/(Ti–15Mo) or SiC/(Ti–15Mo) in attempts to produce materials that combine a high fracture toughness with a high resistance to wear.

► We fabricate TiC/(Ti–15Mo) or SiC/(Ti–15Mo) composite for use in joint prostheses.
► We examine mechanical and biotribological properties of composites.
► TiC/(Ti–15Mo) composites has higher fracture toughness.
► SiC/(Ti–15Mo) composites has high resistance to wear.
► We examine the effect of the addition of W, Nb, or Ir in the composites.