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Hydroxyapatite reinforced Ti6Al4V composites for load-bearing implants
Jose D Avila1, Kevin Stenberg1, Susmita Bose1
1W. M. Keck Biomedical Materials Research Lab, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA.
Acta Biomaterialia
|January 15, 2021
Summary
Hydroxyapatite (HA) reinforced Ti64 composites, created using additive manufacturing, show improved wear resistance and enhanced bone integration. This novel material offers better biocompatibility for biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Additive Manufacturing
- Orthopedic Implants
Background:
- Titanium (Ti) alloys are widely used in biomedical fields but suffer from poor wear resistance and slow osseointegration.
- Enhancing Ti6Al4V (Ti64) properties is crucial for improving implant performance and patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop hydroxyapatite (HA)-reinforced Ti64 composites using directed energy deposition (DED) additive manufacturing (AM).
- To evaluate the simultaneous improvement of biocompatibility and wear resistance of these novel composites.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of Ti64-HA composites via DED-based AM.
- Microstructural analysis using electron microscopy and phase identification with X-ray diffraction (XRD).
- Mechanical testing including hardness, tribological studies, and in vivo histomorphometric and push-out tests.
Main Results:
- Composites exhibited dense microstructures with HA at grain boundaries, increased hardness (57-71%), and no phase changes.
- Tribological tests showed increased contact resistance, reduced wear rate, and minimal wear ball loss.
- In vivo studies demonstrated enhanced osteoid surface coverage (9% to 14%) and increased shear modulus (17 MPa to 32 MPa).
Conclusions:
- DED-based AM of HA-reinforced Ti64 composites successfully improves both wear resistance and bone tissue response.
- These advanced materials show significant potential for enhanced orthopedic implant applications.
