Nanoscale SiO2/ZrO2 particulate-reinforced titanium composites for bone implant materials

The mechanical property of porous pure titanium (Ti) scaffold with high porosity might become poorer than that of natural bone. In this study, new Ti-based biocompatible composites were developed to simultaneously meet the requirements of low elastic modulus and appropriate strength for implant materials when they are scaffolded into a porous structure. The nanoscale particulatereinforced Ti-based composites with different concentrations of oxide particles such as SiO 2 and ZrO 2 were prepared using a powder metallurgical method. The strengths of the new nanoscale particulate-reinforced titanium composites were found to be significantly higher than that of pure Ti. Cell culture results revealed that the nanoscale particulate-reinforced titanium composites showed excellent biocompatibility and cell adhesion. Human SaOS2 osteoblast-like cells grew and spread well on the surfaces of the new titanium composites. The nanoscale SiO 2 and ZrO 2 particulatereinforced titanium composites are promising materials that have great potential for use as an orthopedic implant material.