Effect of Pore Structure Regulation on the Properties of Porous TiNbZr Shape Memory Alloys for Biomedical Application

Recently, porous Ti-Nb-based shape memory alloys have been considered as promising implants for biomedical application, because of their non-toxic elements, low elastic modulus, and stable superelasticity. However, the inverse relationship between pore characteristics and superelasticity of porous SMAs will strongly affect their clinical application. Until now, there have been few works specifically focusing on the effect of pore structure on the mechanical properties and superelasticity of porous Ti-Nb-based SMAs. In this study, the pore structure, including porosity and pore size, of porous Ti-22Nb-6Zr alloys was successfully regulated by adjusting the amount and size of space-holder particles. XRD and SEM investigation showed that all these porous alloys had homogeneous composition. Compression tests indicated that porosity played an important role in the mechanical properties and superelasticity of these porous alloys. Those alloys with porosity in the range of 38.5%-49.7% exhibited mechanical properties approaching to cortical bones, with elastic modulus, compressive strength, and recoverable strain in the range of 7.2-11.4 GPa, 188-422 MPa, and 2.4%-2.6%, respectively. Under the same porosity, the alloys with larger pores exhibited lower elastic modulus, while the alloys with smaller pores presented higher compressive strength.