Fracture Mechanism of Interpenetrating Iron-Tricalcium Phosphate Composite

Abstract

The usage of iron alloys for bone fractures treatment has been limited due to its high density and elastic modulus, as compared to bone. In contrast, the use of tricalcium phosphate (TCP), a ceramic that promotes bone healing, is mostly limited by its brittle nature. In the present work the fracture mechanism of a novel iron-TCP interpenetrated composite fabricated by spark plasma sintering was studied. Specimens were subjected to a diametral tensile-strength-test. The work of fracture was determined by indirect tensile loading conditions using the diametral tensile strength test. The results revealed that iron has a clear toughening effect on the microstructure of tricalcium phosphate specimens consolidated by spark plasma sintering. This is a promising result to overcome the limited usage of tricalcium phosphate to treat only non-load bearing bone defects.