Mechanical properties of titanium cermets for joint prostheses

Abstract

TiC/Ti and TiC/Ti-15Mo cermets were fabricated for the bearings of joint prostheses and were then evaluated in terms of their mechanical properties, such as density, hardness, bending strength and fracture toughness, as well as biocompatibility. The cermets were fabricated by spark plasma sintering. When the volume fraction of the metal phase was increased, the fracture toughness and the bending strength of the TiC/Ti and TiC/Ti-15Mo increased. The TiC/Ti and the TiC/Ti-15Mo cermets show high biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. These results indicate that TiC/Ti-15Mo cermets are suitable for use in the bearings of joint prostheses. © 2006 The Japan Institute of Metals.