Formation of microporous NiTi by transient liquid phase sintering of elemental powders

Porous metallic structures are attractive for biomedical implant applications as their open porosity simultaneously improves the degree of fixation and decreases the mismatch in stiffness between bone and implant, improving bonding and reducing stress-shielding effects respectively. NiTi alloys exhibit both the shape memory effect and pseudoelasticity, and are of particular interest, though they pose substantial problems in their processing. This is because the shape memory and pseudoelastic behaviours are exceptionally sensitive to the presence of oxygen, and other minor changes in alloy chemistry. Thus in processing careful control of composition and contamination is vital. In this communication, we investigate these issues in a novel technique for producing porous NiTi parts via transient liquid phase sintering following metal injection moulding (MIM) of elemental Ni and Ti powders, and report a new mechanism for pore formation in the powder processing of metallic materials from elemental powders.