Cell proliferation, corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of novel titanium foam with sheet shape

Abstract

We had developed novel titanium (Ti) foam sheet with original slurry foaming method. The products had an average pore size under 500μm in diameter, volumetric porosities over 80%, and chemical composition corresponding to grade 4 in ISO 5832-2; Implants for surgery-Metallic materials. The Ti foam had the tensile strength of 9 to 20MPa similar to cancellous bone strength and anisotropic characteristics. Considering the application of our Ti foam for surface modification of hip or knee prostheses, we prepared Ti foam sheet joined with CP Ti, Ti-6Al-4V, or Zr-2.5Nb plate to evaluate the effect of joined solid metals on cell proliferation and corrosion resistance. Plate materials did not show any significant difference on cell proliferation test but affected the anode corrosion rates. Our novel Ti foam exhibited high applicability to the surface modification not only of Ti but also of Ti-6Al-4V and Zr-2.5Nb orthopedic implants. © 2012 The Japan Institute of Metals.