CaSiO₃-HAp Metal-Reinforced Biocomposite Ceramics for Bone Tissue Engineering

Reconstructive and regenerative bone surgery is based on the use of high-tech biocompatible implants needed to restore the functions of the musculoskeletal system of patients. Ti6Al4V is one of the most widely used titanium alloys for a variety of applications where low density and excellent corrosion resistance are required, including biomechanical applications (implants and prostheses). Calcium silicate or wollastonite (CaSiO₃) and calcium hydroxyapatite (HAp) is a bioceramic material used in biomedicine due to its bioactive properties, which can potentially be used for bone repair. In this regard, the research investigates the possibility of using spark plasma sintering technology to obtain new CaSiO₃-HAp biocomposite ceramics reinforced with a Ti6Al4V titanium alloy matrix obtained by additive manufacturing. The phase and elemental compositions, structure, and morphology of the initial CaSiO₃-HAp powder and its ceramic metal biocomposite were studied by X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis methods. The spark plasma sintering technology was shown to be efficient for the consolidation of CaSiO₃-HAp powder in volume with a Ti6Al4V reinforcing matrix to obtain a ceramic metal biocomposite of an integral form. Vickers microhardness values were determined for the alloy and bioceramics (~500 and 560 HV, respectively), as well as for their interface area (~640 HV). An assessment of the critical stress intensity factor K_I (crack resistance) was performed. The research result is new and represents a prospect for the creation of high-tech implant products for regenerative bone surgery.