Mechanical Properties of CaSiO₃/Ti₃SiC₂ Composites and Hydroxyapatite Forming Ability in Simulated Body Fluid

Abstract

CaSiO₃/Ti₃SiC₂ composites with different Ti₃SiC₂ volume fractions were fabricated by spark plasma sintering. The mechanical properties and hydroxyapatite formation ability in simulated body fluid were investigated. The results showed that no reaction occurred between the CaSiO₃ and Ti₃SiC₂, and mechanical properties were improved significantly with the increase of the Ti₃SiC₂ volume fraction. Bending strength and fracture toughness reached 271±12 MPa and 2.47±0.17 MPa·m^1⁄2 respectively, with the addition of 30 vol% Ti₃SiC₂. However, bioactivity is reduced due to the presence of large amount of Ti₃SiC₂. In order to retain the enough bioactivity, the Ti₃SiC₂ volume fraction should not be above 30%.