Research Projects

Bone fixation implants often face issues like inflammatory reactions and improper osseointegration due to their material properties and improper design. Researchers are developing new materials and manufacturing methods to improve these properties. Functionally graded material (FGM) is one such material with tailorable properties, and it can be customized using any biodegradable material. The additive manufacturing (AM) process is considered the most suitable technique for fabricating FGMs, as it allows for faster and cheaper production. Experimental results show that composites of Ti6Al4V or hydroxyapatite (HA) have better osseointegration properties than pure Ti6Al4V alloy. The HA present on the composite surface is reabsorbed, aiding in bone tissue growth. However, detailed experimental studies on corrosion and fatigue behavior are needed to investigate each aspect of the developed Ti6Al4V or HA based FGM. The proposed study aims to optimize direct metal laser sintering (DMLs) parameters and samples with different Ti6Al4V or HA compositions to design FGMs with optimal osseointegration properties.