Porous TiNi biomaterial by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis

Porous TiNi shape-memory alloy (TiNi: SMA) bodies with controlled pore structure were produced from the (Ti+Ni) powder mixture by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) method. The effect of processing variables such as the kind of starting powders; ignition temperature and preheating schedule on the behavior of combustion wave propagation, the formation of,phases and pore structure was investigated. The relationship between,pore structure and mechanical properties was also investigated: An in vivo test was performed to evaluate bone tissue response and histocompatibility of porous TiNi SMA using 15 New Zealand white rabbits. No apparent adverse reactions such as inflammation and foreign body reaction were noted on or around all implanted porous TiNi SMA,blocks. Bone ingrowth was found in the pore space of all implanted blocks.