Investigation of biocompatibility property and production of TiNbSn alloys by powder metallurgy

In this study, TiNbSn alloy was produced at different porosity ratios by conventional sintering from powder metallurgy (TM) methods. Optical images of produced samples, SEM-EDX image analysis, XRD pattern analysis, compression strengths and their biocompatibility in vivo environment were examined. In order to make the powder mixtures homogeneous during the production, atomic Ti-16Nb-4Sn element powders were mixed in a rotating vessel for 12 hours, and then briquetted at different pressures by mixing with ammonium bicarbonate to form pores. The briquetted raw samples were then sintered in an argon gas-protected furnace at different temperatures and at different times. Thus, porous samples with porosity from 5.92 % to 62.5 % were produced. It was seen that the porosity decreased with increasing sintering temperature, sintering times and briquetting pressure. The SEM-EDX analyzes of the produced samples showed that the α (hcp) and β (bcc) phases formed, and α" phase structure was seen with increasing sintering temperature and sintering times. In XRD analyzes, it was realized that extra α" martensite phase also formed together the α and β phases. It was determined that the decrease of the porosity of the produced specimens increased the compressive strengths and was higher than the compressive strength of the bones. In vivo biocompatibility study, it was understood that the increase of porosity, the formation of new bone and fibrous tissue was good, and there was no tissue necrosis.