Martensitic transformation behavior and mechanical properties of highly porous Ti-Ni-Mo scaffolds

Abstract

A simple and effective way to fabricate highly porous scaffolds with controlled porosity and pore size is demonstrated in this study. Ti50Ni49.7Mo0.3 shape memory alloy fibers were prepared by a melt overflow process. The scaffolds with high porosity of 60∼80% and large pores of 100∼600 μm in size were fabricated by sintering the as-solidified fibers. The martensitic transformation behavior of the porous scaffold was determined and it was found that superelasticity could be achieved at human body temperature. An effect of porosity on mechanical properties of porous scaffolds was investigated using compressive tests. As the porosity increases from 60% to 80%, elastic modulus and compressive strength decrease from 1.0 to 0.2 GPa and from 19 to 1.2 MPa, respectively, which mimics the mechanical behaviors of cancellous bone.