Composite titanium dental implant fabricated by electro-discharge compaction

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Dental Implantology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Porous titanium dental implants offer enhanced osseointegration.
• Developing robust fabrication methods is crucial for implant performance.
• Electro-discharge compaction (EDC) is a promising powder metallurgy technique.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish an electro-discharge compaction (EDC) fabrication window for porous titanium dental implants.
• To determine the optimal input energy for producing implants with desired mechanical properties.
• To evaluate the structural integrity and interfacial strength of EDC-fabricated implants.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of commercially pure porous titanium dental implants (4 mm diameter, 7 mm length) with solid titanium caps using EDC.
• Systematic variation of input energy (0.58–0.87 kJ g⁻¹) for a fixed powder mass (0.500 g).
• Assessment of implant torque strength, component integrity (threaded hole, hexagonal head), and microstructure.

Main Results:

• An optimal EDC input energy range of 0.58–0.87 kJ g⁻¹ was identified.
• Implant torque strength exceeded 30 N-cm at >0.58 kJ g⁻¹ and 46.7 N-cm at >0.72 kJ g⁻¹.
• The EDC process maintained component integrity and resulted in a stronger bead-cap interface than bead-bead interface.

Conclusions:

• EDC fabrication within the established window yields porous titanium dental implants with sufficient compressive strength and physical properties.
• The EDC process does not adversely affect the strength or microstructure of the titanium components.
• EDC is a viable method for producing high-quality porous titanium dental implants meeting clinical requirements.