Abstract:
An intermetallic nickel-titanium alloy, 60NiTi, comprised of approximately 60wt% Ni and 40wt% Ti, contains a broad combination of physical and mechanical properties such as high hardness, low elastic modulus, resistance to aqueous corrosion and excellent biocompatibility. These unique combinations make this alloy an attractive candidate for medical components such as implants and prosthesis, where biocompatible materials with high hardness and low stiffness are typically used. The conventional press-and-sinter method which represents the least complex, most flexible and economic powder metallurgy method was used to produce porous 60NiTi parts suitable for biomedical applications. The effects of compaction pressure, and sintering holding time on the porosity, density and dimensional stability is investigated. It is found that satisfactory dimensional stability of parts was obtained in all cases. In addition, applying lower compaction pressure is beneficial in terms of obtaining parts with higher open porosity. Proper selection of process parameters makes it possible to produce porous 60NiTi alloy with porosity characteristics desirable for medical components.
