Influence of sintering temperature on properties of titanium-graphite composites

Porous titanium is a popular surgical implant material. Its low elastic modulus encourages regular bone growth, whilst its porosity enables bone in-growth. However, titanium is characterized by poor friction and wear properties. The addition of graphite to lower the friction coefficient and titanium carbide to increase wear resistance could produce a multi-component material that overcomes these disadvantages. In presented paper, the analysis of sintering temperature on structure and mechanical properties is reported. Materials were manufactured by means of powder metallurgy method. During sintering the reactions between titanium and graphite were observed. The three-phases material was obtained, consisting of solid solution of carbon in titanium, remains of graphite, and particles of titanium carbide formed as result of carbon diffusion. This caused significant improving of hardness of composite materials.