Effects of binder system and processing parameters on formability of porous Ti/HA composite through powder injection molding

Porous titanium-hydroxyapatite (Ti/HA) composite is a developed composite material suitable for bio-medical applications. Powder injection molding (PIM) with space holder method is used to produce porous Ti/HA with mechanical properties, similar to human bone, and pores helps to initiate tissue growth. However, the differences in physical and mechanical properties of these composites are the main challenges during debinding and sintering. Therefore, the main objective is to determine effects of binder systems and processing parameters on formability of Ti/HA composite. In PIM, a binder system is necessary to produce green and ultimately sintered part. There are two binder systems and variation of sintering temperature has been used. Results revealed that Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based binder system is applicable with NaCl space holder and optimum sintering parameters, including temperature, heating rate, and holding time of 1300°C, 10°C/min, and 5h, respectively. The fabricated porous Ti/HA exhibits average porosity, pore size distribution, compressive strength, and roughness values of 55%, 60μm to 170μm, 370MPa, and 0.323μm, respectively. FESEM results showed that the pores are interconnected. It may be an appropriate material for future bio-medical applications. FEMSEM micrograph of porous Ti/HA composite sintered at 1300°C showing interconnected pores the neck formation between the particles. [Display omitted] •Porous Ti/HA composite was successfully fabricated through powder injection molding technique using space holder.•PEG-based binder system with NaCl as space holder is suitable for PIM.•Porous Ti/HA composite fabricated through PIM using NaCl space holder showed pore size half of the space holder size.