Abstract
Metal injection molding (MIM) was applied to fabricating Ti–22Nb (mass fraction, %) and commercially-pure Ti (CP-Ti, selected as reference) discs. As references, arc-melted and polished Ti–22Nb discs were employed. The surface topography and cytocompatibility were comparatively assessed on each configuration by microscopic analysis using confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy and adhesion and viability tests. The results reveal that micron-scale roughness could be obtained via MIM process, and using blended Ti and Nb elemental powders instead of only Ti powder as raw materials leads to much higher surface roughness and surface area ratio. None of the three materials shows cytotoxicity, and the adhesion of human primary cells seems to be increased on the MIM Ti–22Nb specimens, especially around the closed-pores on the surface.
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