Preparation and Characterization of (HAp/SiO₂)/Ti Biocomposites

(HAp/SiO2)/Ti biocomposites were prepared by the powder metallurgy method. The phase compositions and the in vitro bioactivity of such biocomposites were systematically characterized. The XRD result shows that the phase compositions of (HAp/SiO2)/Ti composites are mainly composed of Ca4O(PO4)2 (TTCP), Ti, TiO2 and CaO. The synthesized (HAp/SiO2)/Ti biocomposites exhibit a good bioactivity, for example, after the samples are immersed in SBF solution only for 24 hours, the bone-like layer consisting of spherical apatite crystal clusters has deposited on the surface of the samples. The density and thickness of the apatite layer increases with increasing immersion time. The formation process and mechanisms of bone-like apatite layer are also discussed.