Compressive and energy absorption properties of titanium hybrid lattice structures for bioimplant applications fabricated via LPBF

The compressive properties of lattice structures are strongly influenced by lattice design, density, material, and manufacturing method. Recent advancements in manufacturing, particularly Additive Manufacturing, have enabled the fabrication of complex lattice structures from advanced materials. Building on this progress, the present study investigates the compressive properties and energy absorption capabilities of four distinct lattice structures at three relative densities (20 %, 30 %, and 40 %), specifically tailored for implant applications. The lattices, fabricated from Ti6Al4V ELI alloy using the Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) method, include a hybrid Fluorite-BCC lattice, a SplitP TPMS skeletal lattice, a stochastic Voronoi lattice, and a hybrid Voronoi-TPMS Gyroid lattice. Compressive properties, including the Elastic Modulus of Compression (EMC), Compressive Yield Strength, and Ultimate Compressive Strength, were systematically analyzed alongside energy absorption capabilities. The Gibson-Ashby model was employed to quantify the relationship between compressive properties and relative density. Additionally, Digital Image Correlation and high-resolution imaging during compression tests provided detailed insights into deformation mechanisms and collapse behavior. The findings offer valuable insights into the compressive performance of these novel hybrid lattices, highlighting their potential applicability in bioimplant applications, with the Fluorite-BCC lattice exhibits the highest EMC and the Fluorite-BCC and SplitP lattices exhibit higher energy absorption capabilities.