Preparation and Properties of Ti-Y2O3 Composites for Implant Applications

Abstract

The paper presents the preparation of Ti-(1-30wt.%)Y2O3 composites using the mechanical alloying process. Ti based materials are the best metallic biomaterials because of their excellent properties: biocompatibility, low Young moduli and high corrosion resistance. Pure Ti and Y2O3 powders were alloyed under argon atmosphere in shaker type mill (Spex 8000) followed by pressing and sintering. The ultra-low grain size structure improves the mechanical properties and hardness of the new materials in comparison to microcrystalline Ti-based sinters. However, because of the porosity of approx. 20-30%, a decrease in the Young modulus is observed. Moreover, the new composites show good tendency towards covering by Ca-P compounds during soaking in SBF.