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Processing and mechanical properties of autogenous titanium implant materials
C E Wen1, Y Yamada, K Shimojima
1Institute for Structural and Engineering Materials, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Hirate-cho, Kita-ku, Nagoya 462-8510, Japan. wencuie.uxen@aist.go.jp
Journal of Materials Science. Materials in Medicine
|September 7, 2004
Summary
Highly porous titanium foams were created using a novel powder metallurgy technique. These promising biomaterials support bone ingrowth and fluid transport for potential bone implant applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Materials Engineering
- Orthopedic Research
Background:
- Titanium and its alloys are preferred for biomedical applications due to superior mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility compared to stainless steel and Co-Cr-Mo alloys.
- Titanium's excellent tissue acceptance makes it ideal for implants, but enhancing integration requires optimized porous structures.
- The development of advanced porous metallic materials is crucial for improving bone implant performance and longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop highly porous titanium foams with porosities up to 80% using a novel powder metallurgical process.
- To investigate and optimize the process parameters for producing consistent and high-quality porous titanium structures.
- To evaluate the structural and mechanical characteristics of the fabricated porous titanium foams for potential biomedical use.
Main Methods:
- A novel powder metallurgical process involving the addition of selected spacers into starting titanium powders was employed.
- Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used for characterizing the microstructure and pore morphology.
- Quantitative image analysis determined pore size distribution, and compressive tests evaluated mechanical properties.
Main Results:
- Highly porous titanium foams with porosities up to 80% were successfully produced.
- Characterization revealed open-cellular structures with pore sizes ranging from 200-500 micrometers.
- Compressive tests provided data on the mechanical performance of the porous titanium foams.
Conclusions:
- The novel powder metallurgical process enables the fabrication of highly porous titanium foams suitable for biomedical applications.
- The characterized porous titanium foams exhibit properties conducive to bone ingrowth and body fluid transport.
- These open-cellular titanium foams are promising candidates for next-generation bone implant materials.