Compression temperature and binder ratio on a process for fabrication of open-celled porous Ti

This study was performed to investigate the fabrication of open-celled porous Ti by space holder using spherical polymer balls, and to evaluate the effect of temperature and binder ratio in the compression process. In compression condition of 80 degrees C, the open cellular structure consisted of continuously connected Ti struts with pore fraction above 85% and with the pores distributed homogeneously with nominal diameters between 200 mu m and 400 mu m. The large stress of 700 MPa applied to the acryl balls, containing the Ti feedstock, were not crushed, because the uniaxal stress applied to the acryl balls was transferred into the pseudo-hydrostatic stress state. A compression temperature of 90 degrees C caused the agglomeration of Ti feedstock and penetration of Ti powders into the inner part of acryl balls by softening. The thinner struts were gradually developed with increase of binder ratio due to increase of deformation. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.