Microstructure and mechanical properties of laser–deposited Ti–6Al–4V scaffold Available to Purchase

Direct Metal Deposition (DMD) is a rapid manufacturing process which can be used to manufacture near net shape components using powders from their CAD files. Ti-6Al-4V alloy is widely used as an implantable material mainly in the application of orthopedic prostheses because of its high strength, low elastic modulus, excellent corrosion resistance, and superior biocompatibility. In the present study, Ti-6Al-4V scaffold (a supporting structure for growing cells and tissues) has been successfully fabricated for bone tissue engineering. To enhance the cell growth, thin (∼1μm) hydroxyapatite coating was deposited on the surface of the scaffold by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) at room temperature. The as-deposited films were amorphous. The amorphous PLD films were annealed at 340° C for 2 h in air in order to restore the crystalline structure. The surface morphology and microstructure of the as-deposited scaffold was studied by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The mechanical response of the as-deposited sample was investigated by microhardness test.