Product Code: ICAL06_1501

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Laser-Deposited Ti-6Al-4V Scaffold
Authors:
Guru Dinda, University of Michigan; Ann Arbor MI USA
Jyoti Mazumder, University of Michigan; Ann Arbor MI USA
Lijun Song, University of Michigan; Ann Arbor MI USA
Presented at ICALEO 2006

Direct laser deposition is a rapid prototyping method which can be used to manufacture near net shape components using powders from their CAD files in one step. The aim of the present work is to produce ideal Ti-6Al-4V scaffold (a supporting structure for growing cells and tissues) using direct laser deposition technique and to study the microstructure and mechanical properties for its applicability as hard tissue biomaterials. Ti-6Al-4V alloy is widely used as an implantable material mainly in the application of orthopedic prostheses because of its high strength, low elastic modulus, excellent corrosion resistance, and superior biocompatibility. In the present study, Ti-6Al-4V scaffold has been successfully fabricated for bone tissue engineering. Good geometry control and surface finish have been achieved. The surface morphology and microstructure of the as-deposited scaffold was studied by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The mechanical properties of the as-deposited sample were investigated by microhardness and nanoindentation test. The preliminary results showed that the structure and mechanical properties of the scaffold produced by direct laser deposition are suitable for medical implants.