Microstructures and mechanical properties of titanium/biodegradable-polymer FGM for bone tissue fabricated by spark plasma sintering method

Ti and Ti alloys are widely used as metallic implants, because of their good mechanical properties and nontoxic behavior. However, they have problems as the implant-materials, namely, high Young's modulus comparing that of bone and low bonding ability with bone. There is a need to develop the Ti and Ti alloys with lower Young's modulus and good bonding ability. In previous study, Ti composite containing biodegradable poly-l-lactic-acid (PLLA) fiber has been fabricated to improve these problems. However, this composite has low strength because of the imperfect sintering of Ti matrix. To improve its strength, sintering of Ti matrix should be completed. In this study, Ti–NaCl composite material was fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) method using powder mixture of Ti and NaCl to complete the sintering of Ti matrix. To obtain porous Ti samples, Ti–NaCl composite were put into hot water of 317 K. The porous Ti was dipped into PLLA melt in order to introduce PLLA into the pores of porous Ti. Finally, Ti/PLLA composite was obtained, and PLLA plays a role as reinforcement of Ti matrix. It was found that the Ti/PLLA composite has gradient structure and mechanical properties.