Processing and Characterization of Titanium-Hydroxyapatite
Metal Matrix Composite for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Low density, superior mechanical properties, excellent wear and corrosion resistance and
low stress shielding of Titanium (Ti) has caused an increase in the use of Ti for biomedical
applications. However poor bioactivity of Ti limits its use in load bearing orthopedic implants.
Hydroxyapatite (Ha) (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) possess excellent bioactivity but poor mechanical
properties does not allow the use of Ha for load bearing orthopedic implants. In the study,
Titanium and Hydroxyapatite (Ti-Ha) composite was prepared using powder metallurgy
technique. Three samples of varying Ti and Ha content was ball milled, compacted and sintered.
The ball milled and compacted samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and
scanning electron microscope (SEM). The density of the composite was measured using
Archimedes principle. The in-vitro bioactivity studies were assessed in simulated body fluid
(SBF) for two weeks. After each week, samples were removed and characterized using SEM for
the formation of hydroxyapatite and subsequently phase was confirmed by XRD. The density of
the samples decreased with increase in Ha content. However the porosity and bioactivity
increased with increase in the Ha content.