Mechanical properties and bioactive surface modification via alkali-heat treatment of a porous Ti-18Nb-4Sn alloy for biomedical applications.
A porous Ti-18 at.%Nb-4 at.%Sn (hereafter, Ti-18Nb-4Sn) alloy was prepared by powder metallurgy. The porous structures were examined by scanning electron microscopy and the phase constituents were analysed by X-ray diffraction. Mechanical properties of the porous alloy were investigated using a compressive test. To enhance the bioactivity of the alloy surface, alkali-heat treatment was used to modify the surface. The bioactivity of the pre-treated alloy sample was investigated using a biomimetic process by soaking the sample into simulated body fluid (SBF). Results indicate that the elastic modulus and plateau stress of the porous Ti-18Nb-4Sn alloy decrease with decreasing relative density. The mechanical properties of the porous alloy can be tailored to match those of human bone. After soaking in SBF for 7 days, a hydroxyapatite layer formed on the surface of the pre-treated porous Ti-18Nb-4Sn alloy. The pre-treated porous Ti-18Nb-4Sn alloy therefore has the potential to be a bioactive implant material.
Centre for Material and Fibre Innovation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3217, Australia.
Jianyu
J
Xiong
Yuncang
Y
Li
Xiaojian
X
Wang
Peter
P
Hodgson
Cui'e
C
Wen
D000497:Alloys / Q000737:chemistry*; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000378:metabolism; D004548:Elasticity; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009556:Niobium / Q000737:chemistry*; D016062:Porosity; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties; D014001:Tin / Q000737:chemistry*; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry*; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
D000497:Alloys; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; C533675:Ti-18Nb-4Sn alloy; D009556:Niobium; D014001:Tin; D014025:Titanium