Effect of processing techniques on properties of porous TiO2 and TiO2/hydroxyapatite composites

This work focuses on studying the effect of processing routes, namely; starch consolidation and freeze gelcasting techniques on the properties of porous TiO2 and TiO2/5-wt% hydroxyapatite (HA) materials sintered at 1100 degrees C. The proposed routes were used to control pore characteristics and microstructure of prepared porous structures to be used for biomedical, membranes and environmental applications. Starch and tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) were used as pore forming agent in the proposed methods, respectively. Phase composition, physical properties, microstructure, compressive strength, and pore size distribution of fabricated materials were investigated. The results indicated that both methods were suitable for production of porous structures with good properties. The samples fabricated by freeze gelcasting route showed improved properties as compared with those prepared by starch consolidation technique due to their improved pore characteristics (homogenous pore size and pore-size distribution) and microstructure. TiO2/HA composites prepared by both methods had lower porosity and mechanical properties than those prepared from pure TiO2.