Effects of macro- and micro-porosity on mechanical properties of a porous Ti-6Al-4V alloy fabricated using solid-state space-holder method

Abstract

The effect of macro and micro porosity on properties of porous Ti-6Al-4V samples fabricated using a solid state space holder method is investigated. Sintering with mixing condition, with and without process control agents (PCA), and sintering conditions, pressure and temperature range of 30-60 MPa and 700-725°C were performed in order to get different macro pore morphology and micro pore quantity. It is found that macro-pore plays significant role to determine the properties of porous Ti-6Al-4V. Open porosity, Young's modulus and strength are affected by the distribution of the pores. Randomly distributed pores will results in high value of open porosity yet higher Young's modulus. Micro porosity only less affects on the mechanical properties of the porous product.