Enhancement of mechanical and bioactive characteristics of NiTiMD composite reinforced with waste marble dust

Abstract

Abstract Several bioceramics are used to enhance the bioactivity of NiTi, but the porous structure of these bioceramics simultaneously degrades the mechanical characteristics of implants. Therefore, NiTiMD composites were successfully synthesised with 0–10 wt.% reinforcement of waste marble dust (MD). Further, the effects of marble dust reinforcement on the physical, mechanical, and bioactive properties of NiTiMD composites were analysed. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images and X-ray diffraction patterns revealed the development of the primary NiTi and few secondary (e.g., NiTi2, Ni4Ti3, and Ni3Ti) phases. The porosity of NiTiMD composites increased from 8.74 to 20.83 % with the increase of marble dust reinforcement. Mechanical characterisation exhibited a two times increment in micro-hardness and bone-like Young’s modulus (3.10–6.93 GPa) and compressive strength (77.57–94.36 MPa). It was observed that the marble dust reinforcement enhanced the bioactivity of NiTiMD composites, and a uniform calcium phosphate (Ca-P) layer was formed on the NiTiMD6 and NiTiMD10 composites. Hence, the NiTiMD6 composite with balanced mechanical characteristics and enhanced bioactivity can be used as a novel material for orthopaedic implants.