Mechanical Properties of Ti-Nb-X-CPP Biomaterial Fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering

Ti-6Al-4V ELI (Extra Low Interstitial) alloy have been widely used as alternative bone due to its excellent biocompatibility, although it still has many problems such as high elastic modulus and toxic. 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 Mo were mixed and milled in a mixing machine (24h) and a high energy mechanical ball milling machine (1h, 4h and 8h) respectively. Ti-Nb-Mo-CPP 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 Ti_xP_y. Vickers hardness of composites increases with increase milling time and addition of HA contents. Biocompatibility of HA added Ti-Nb-Si alloys were improved.