MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF Ti/HA FUNCTIONALLY GRADED MATERIALS FOR HARD TISSUE REPLACEMENT

Functionally graded materials were produced via the powder metallurgy route based on titanium and hydroxyapatite. Samples with the following layers were produced: Ti +(Ti + 10% HA), (Ti + 5% HA)+(Ti + 10% HA) and Ti + (Ti+ 5% HA) + (Ti + 10% HA). Compression tests were performed on a Galdabini Sun5 universal testing machine. Young’s modulus and compressive strength present an interest in these materials. As the content of hidroxyapatite increases, the Young’s modulus and the compressive strength decrease. Values of compressive strength for the obtained samples are between 132 and 528 MPa. The compacts had interconnected pores. Large pores (about 100 µm) and small ones can be seen, irregularly shaped.