Exploring Construction of Biomedical Ti6Al4V-Ti5Cu Composite Alloy with Interpenetrating Structure: Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance

Cu-bearing titanium alloys exhibit promising antibacterial properties for clinical use. A novel Ti6Al4V-Ti5Cu composite alloy is developed using powder bed fusion (selective laser sintering, SLM) and spark plasma sintering (SPS). SLM produces a triple periodic minimal surface (TPMS) lattice structure from Ti6Al4V, which is then filled with Ti-5Cu powders and sintered using SPS. Microstructural analysis confirms a well-bonded interface between Ti6Al4V and Ti-5Cu could be achieved through SLM-SPS technology. The composite primarily showcases laths alpha phase, with Ti2Cu precipitates in the Ti-5Cu region. Electrochemical assessments reveal superior corrosion resistance in the Ti6Al4V-Ti5Cu composite compared to SLM-Ti6Al4V and SPS-Ti-5Cu. The antibacterial rate of the TPMS structure exceeds 90%, and that of TCCU-90 reaches as high as 99%, manifesting robust antibacterial activity. These findings suggest a strategy for creating biomimetic alloys that seamlessly combine structure and multifunctionality within biomedical materials.