| Abstract | A new process has been recently developed to produce biocompatible metallic foams using powder mixtures.
A metal powder, a polymeric binder and a foaming agent are dry-mixed together. The mixture is then molded, foamed and consolidated
using a 3-step thermal treatment. The structure, density and pore size of the materials can be controlled by adjusting the powder
formulation and process parameters. This paper describes the morphology, properties and characteristics (chemical, electrochemical,
physical and mechanical) of titanium foams having different pore sizes. Depending on the powder formulation and process parameters used,
the porosity level ranges approximately from 65 to 80%. The compressive strength and rigidity of these materials may be adjusted to fall
within the range of properties of cancellous bone, while their corrosion resistance in simulated body fluids is similar to that of solid titanium.
These characteristics indicate that titanium foams fabricated with this process could be suitable candidates for orthopedic or dental implant applications. |
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