Effect of Titania Addition on Mechanical Properties and Wear Behavior of Alumina-10 wt.% Tricalcium Phosphate Ceramics as Coating for Orthopedic Implant

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of Titania on mechanical properties and wear behavior of Alumina-10 wt.% TCP ceramics and to evaluate the performance of Titania in improving their resistance to these effects. Al2O3–10 wt.% β-TCP mingled with TiO2 to obtain a mixture which is considered as a bioactive coating that may be used in orthopedic implants. Representative bioceramic samples of such blends were prepared with different percentages of Titania and then tested using different methods and techniques. Mechanical properties, fracture toughness were evaluated using the modified Brazilian, semi-circular bending specimens. A pin-on-disk tribometer was retained to study the wear behavior. Based on the obtained results, it was found that the best mechanical properties and wear resistance was displayed for Alumina-10 wt.% TCP-5 wt.% Titania composite. This composite presents a good combination of flexural strength (σf ≈ 98 MPa), compressive strength (σc ≈ 352 MPa), fracture toughness (KIC ≈ 13 MPa m1/2) and micro-hardness (Hv ≈ 8.4 GPa). In terms of tribological properties, the lowest wear volume and wear resistance was recorded for Al2O3–10 wt.% TCP − 5 wt.% TiO2 composition.