Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Biocompatibility of Ti-Nb Based Composite with CPP Fabricated by Rapid Sintering

Abstract

Ti-6Al-4V ELI (Extra low interstitial) alloy have been widely used as alternative bone due to its excellent biocompatibility, although it still has problems such as high elastic modulus and toxic element. Therefore, biomaterial with low elastic modulus and nontoxic has to be developed. In this study, the raw materials which are nontoxic elements such as Nb and Zr were mixed for 24h and milled for 1 to 6h using high energy ball milling machine. Ti-35wt%Nb-7wt%Zr-10wt%-X(5,10,20)wt%CPP (calcium pyrophosphate) composites were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1000°C under 70MPa using mixed and milled powders. The effects of CPP contents and milling time on biocompatibility and mechanical property have been investigated. By X-ray diffraction (XRD), chemical reaction during the sintering was occurred and revealed new phases, Ti2O, CaO, CaTiO3, and TixPy. The results of in vitro (MTT) and in vivo (Implanted), the sintered Ti-35%Nb-7%Zr-10%CPP composite has better biocompatibility than Ti-6Al-4V ELI alloy.