Manufacturing and mechanical characterization of Al2O3/β-TCP/TiO2 biocomposite as a potential bone substitute

This paper focuses on the mechanical characterization of a bioceramic based on commercial alumina (Al2O3) mixed with synthesized tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and commercial titania powder (TiO2). The effect of β-TCP and TiO2 addition on the mechanical performance was investigated. After a sintering process at 1600 °C for 1 h, various mechanical properties of the samples have been studied, such as compressive strength, flexural strength, tensile strength, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness. The measurements of the elastic modulus (E) and the tensile strength (σt) were conducted using the modified Brazilian test while the compressive strength (σc) was determined through a compression test. Also, semi-circular bending (SCB) specimens were used to evaluate the flexural strength (σf) and the opening mode fracture toughness (KIC). From the main results, it was found that the best mechanical performance is obtained with the addition of 10 wt.% TCP and 5 wt.% TiO2. Alumina/10 wt.% tricalcium phosphate/5 wt.% titania composites displayed the highest values of mechanical properties and a good combination of compressive strength (σc ≈ 352 MPa), flexural strength (σf ≈ 98 MPa), tensile strength (σt ≈ 86.65 MPa), and fracture toughness (KIC ≈ 13 MPa m1/2).