Porous Ti6Al4V scaffolds for dental implants: Microstructure, mechanical, and corrosion behavior

Abstract

Titanium and its alloys are known as one of the most significant metallic materials used in the orthopedic and dental implants due to their excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. One of the main issues in dental implant is the fabrication of the biomaterials that have early and sufficiently strong bonding with the surrounding bone. In the present study, porous Ti6Al4V scaffolds were synthesized using the powder metallurgy with various amounts of magnesium. The specimens were sintered at 950 ℃, close to magnesium vaporization point, because of the remaining magnesium in the scaffolds. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the specimens were investigated. Electrochemical characterization was carried out to indicate the effect of porosity on corrosion resistance. This investigation showed that the porous Ti6Al4V scaffolds containing 5–10 volume percent of magnesium with 28–31% porosity as a semi-degradable implant could be an advanced alternative for clinical application under load-bearing conditions such as dental implants which require two factors of strength and osteointegration.