Porous and dense TiNi alloys were successfully fabricated by powder metallurgy(P/M) method, and to further improve their surface biocompatibility, surface modification techniques including grind using silicon-carbide(SiC) paper, acid etching and alkali treatment were employed to produce either irregularly rough surface or micro-porous surface roughness. X-ray diffractometry(XRD), scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX) attached to SEM were used to characterize surface structure and the Ca-P coatings. Effects of the above surface treatments on the surface morphology, apatite forming ability were systematically investigated. Results indicate that all the above surface treatments increase the apatite forming ability of TiNi alloys in varying degrees when soaked in simulated body fluid(SBF). More apatite coatings formed on TiNi samples sintered at 1050℃ and 1100℃ due to their high porosity and pure TiNi phase that is beneficial to heterogeneous nucleation. Furthermore, more uniform apatite was fabricated on the sample sintered from the mixture of Ni and Ti powders.
A highly porous Ta-10%Nb alloy was successfully prepared for tissue engineering via the methods of the sponge impregnation and sintering techniques.The porous Ta-10%Nb alloy offers the capability of processing a pore size of 300-600μm,a porosity of(68.0±0.41)%,and open porosity of(93.5±2.6)%.The alloy also shows desirable mechanical properties similar to those of cancellous bone with the elastic modulus and the comprehensive strength of(2.54±0.5)GPa and(83.43±2.5)MPa,respectively.The morphology of the pores in the porous Ta-Nb alloy shows a good interconnected three-dimension(3D)network open cell structure.It is also found that the rat MC3T3-E1 cell can well adhere,grow and proliferate on the porous Ta-Nb alloy.The interaction of the porous alloy on cells is attributed to its desirable pore structure,porosity and the great surface area.The advanced mechanical and biocompatible properties of the porous alloy indicate that this material has promising potential applications in tissue engineering.
FeCrAl(f)/HA biological functionally gradient materials(FGMs) were successfully fabricated by the hot pressing technique.Scanning electron microscope(SEM),energy dispersive spectrometer(EDS) and bending strength test machine were utilized to characterize the microstructure,component,mechanical properties and the formation of the Ca-deficient apatite on the surface of these materials.The results indicate that an asymmetrical FeCrAl(f)/HA FGM,consolidating powders prepared by mixing HA with 3%–15%(volume fraction) is successfully prepared.Both of the matrix and FeCrAl fiber are integrated very tightly and bite into each other very deeply.And counter diffusion takes place to some extent in two phase interfaces.The elemental compositions of the FeCrAl(f)/HA FGM change progressively.Ca and P contents increase gradually with immersion time increasing,and thereafter approach equilibrium.The bone-like apatite layer forms on the materials surface,which possesses benign bioactivity,and the favorable biocompatibility can provide potential firm fixation between FeCrAl(f)/HA asymmetrical FGM implants and human bone.
