Microstructural study of a titanium-based biocomposite produced by the powder metallurgy process with TiH2 and nanometric β-TCP powders

A titanium-based composite with Ca-P phases was prepared in situ by powder metallurgy processing with TiH2 and nanometric β-TCP powders. Crystal phases of the as-fabricated composite are found to be α-Ti, CaTiO3 and TixPy phase(s). The TixPy and CaTiO3 phases resulted from the reaction between titanium and β-TCP at about 1135°C. The composite presented a mean compressive strength of 635MPa and a lower contact angle than pure titanium. ► TiH2/10% β-TCP composite was prepared by powder metallurgy in vacuum. ► The starting powders were mixed uniformly by friction milling. ► The decomposition of β-TCP took place at about 1135°C. ► Ti, CaTiO3 and TixPy phases were found in the composite. ► The composite is not ductile and presented a lower contact angle than pure titanium.