Development of porous Ti6Al4V samples by microsphere sintering

Two differently sized microspheres were sintered at 1300 °C and 1400 °C from 2 to 8 h in stoneware, alumina, yttria and zirconia moulds. Selecting the appropriate material to be used as a mould remains a critical issue given titaniumʹs high reactivity at elevated temperatures. Optimum mechanical properties were obtained when sintering the smallest microspheres in yttria-coated moulds. Stiffness of the samples was lower than 40% of that of the bulk solid material, which comes closer to that of human cortical bone. Open and interconnected porosity was observed in all the specimens.