Titanium/Zirconium functionally graded materials with porosity gradients for potential biomedical applications

The main aim of this study was the fabrication of functionally graded materials for biomedical applications. Samples with gradient porosities were prepared by a two-stage powder metallurgy method. The internal and external zones of both samples were composed of different phases and pore structures. The phase compositions, microstructures, porosities, and microhardness of the sintered samples were analysed. The results revealed successful fabrication of materials with gradient porosities by the powder metallurgy method, and the transition zone (formed by diffusion) between the external and internal zones was found to be permanent. The Rietveld refinement analysis showed that the production method and atomic radii of the elements used in the synthesis influenced the material structure. This paper is part of a Thematic Issue on The Crystallographic Aspects of Metallic Alloys.