Study of the porous Ti35Nb alloy processing parameters for implant applications

• Powder metallurgy technique for obtaining porous alloy Ti–Nb is proposed.
• Micro and macroporous samples are characterized microstructurally and mechanically.
• XRD analyzes show a predominance of β-titanium phase in the samples.
• The elastics modulus of samples is very close to natural bones.
• The Ti–35Nb alloys may be a promise for implant applications.

Porous titanium alloys have been used for bone-replacement implants because they possess an excellent combination of physical properties and outstanding biocompatibility. It induces new bone tissue formation inside the pores providing a better mechanical stability at the implant–bone interface. A high and interconnected porosity is required to enhance bone ingrowth and osseointegration. In this study, macroporous and microporous Ti35Nb samples were manufactured by powder metallurgy for implant applications. The porous titanium–niobium alloy was studied, by using different times for the mechanical mixture, different compaction types and sintering temperatures, in order to evaluate the influence of these parameters on microstructure. Isostatic and uniaxial compaction techniques were performed followed by sintering step. The properties of Ti35Nb samples, such as microstructure, porosity, elastic modulus and compressive strength were investigated. Metallographic quantitative analysis was also used to determine the total porosity. The porosity results were 59% and 63%, for macroporous samples and 17% for microporous samples, respectively. Mechanical tests indicated low elastic moduli for macroporous and microporous samples, 2.6 GPa and 25 GPa, respectively. Such values are within the range of human bones and they are attributed to the porosity of materials and β-phase presence, which was identified by X ray diffraction and microstructural analysis.

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