Investigation of Mechanical Properties, Corrosion Behavior and Biocompatibility of Porous Ti6Al4V Scaffold for Dental Implant

Titanium and its alloys are known as one of the most significant metallic materials used in the orthopedic and dental implants due to their excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. One of the main issues in dental implant is the fabrication of the biomaterials that have early and sufficiently strong bonding with the surrounding bone. In the present study, porous Ti6Al4V scaffolds were produced using magnesium as a space holder by powder metallurgy. The specimens were sintered in 950°C, below the β transition temperature, close to magnesium vaporization point. To evaluate the porosity and effect of magnesium on it, the micro structure was investigated by optical microscopy and SEM and then mechanical properties and electrochemical corrosion behavior of the specimens were studied. Biocompatibility was investigated by MTT test, and it was deduced that the cell proliferation and biocompatibility was increased with increasing the porosity. This investigation showed that the compressive strength and elastic modulus of the porous scaffold with 10% magnesium and 31% porosity are 155MPa and 9GPa, respectively and close to dental bone. Also, the corrosion results and cell proliferation showed the appropriate corrosion behavior and osseointegration of this scaffold. Due to the importance of strength in the dental implant and according to these results, the Ti6Al4V scaffold with 10%Mg could be an advanced alternative for clinical applications which two factors of strength and osseointegration are required.