Melt infiltration casting of HA and metallic glass composite

A 6 mm diameter composite with metallic glass matrix (Vit106) and Hydroxyapatite (HA), as second phase, was fabricated by using melt infiltration casting method. The structure and phase constituent were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the HA particles are distributed uniformally in the amorphous matrix with good bonding interfaces with the matrix. The mechanical tests show that the compossive strength up to 250MPa and maximal elogation up to 65% were obtained for the as-cast samples. Compared with titanium-matrix composite with 20vol% HA used for as heavy load-bearing hard tissue replacement materials, the fracture strength for the amorphous matrix composite is much improved. The amorphous matrix/HA composite also exhibits very high plastic deformation compared with porous bulk metallic glasses by considering the same strength level. It is suggested that the composite we investigated is preferred metal material for orthopaedics and implant biomaterials because of their high strength, good ductility and biocompatibility.