The mechanical behaviour of porous austenitic stainless steel fibre structures

The mechanical properties of metal fibre porous structures were studied in the light of their potential application as surface coatings of implants. Stainless steel AISI 316 L fibres with diameters of 50 and 100μm were compacted and sintered. The variation of the modulus of elasticity with density, as obtained in tension, corresponds closely with theoretical models. The ultimate failure of the tensile specimens proceeds through the fibres, and not through the sinter bonds, except at lower densities. Differences in yield strength between 50 and 100 μm fibre tensile specimens are explained on the basis of the onset of plastic deformation of the individual fibres. Upon compression the modulus of elasticity is nearly 10 times smaller than in tension. This result is due to the different deformation patterns of the fibres in compression and tension.