Effect of HA (Hydroxyapatite) content on the microstructure, mechanical and corrosion properties of (Ti-13Nb-13Zr)-xHA biocomposites synthesized by sparkle plasma sintering

(Ti-13Nb-13Zr)-HA biocomposites with different HA contents were fabricated by sparkle plasma sintering. The structure, mechanical and corrosion properties of these biocomposites were investigated. The results indicated that the addition of HA to TNZ lead to impede the phase transformation from alpha-Ti to beta-Ti, and produce reaction products which affected the properties. There is a linear relationship (rho(r) = 99.298 - 0.125W(p)) between relative density of biocomposites and HA concentration. The biocomposites exhibited excellent mechanical strength, ensuring better behaviour as implant material. Elastic modulus tests showed that the biocomposites which approximated to that of natural bones were much lower than Ti (or Ti alloys)-HA composites and Ti-13Nb-13Zr. Biocomposites with 10% of HA performed an optimal corrosion resistant in simulated artificial body fluid. An increase in HA content decreased corrosion resistant owing to the surface micropores and defects induced by reactions between particles and ceramic particle detachment. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.