Abstract: The influence of 316L fibre’s dimension and content on the properties of HA-ZrO₂(CaO)/316L biocomposites was studied. The results show that mechanical properties of the composites with fibre diameter of 40μm is better than that of 50μm, and with fibre length of 0.8--1.2mm is better than that of 2--3mm. Micropores increase with volume fraction of 316L fibre because of mutual contact among fibres, which becomes microflaws and leads to descending of mechanical properties. Therefore, it is concluded that HA-ZrO₂(CaO)/316L fibre biocomposite reinforced by 20vol% fibre with dimension of φ40μm×(0.8--1.2)mm has optimal mechanical properties, i. e. bending strength, Young’s modulus, fracture toughness and
relative density are 140.1MPa, 117.8GPa, 5.81 MPacdotm1/2 and 87.1%, respectively. No obvious flaws or pores appear in the composites and 316L fibre is enwrapped in the HA-ZrO₂(CaO) matrix and both integrate each other tightly. The combining mechanism of matrix to 316L fibre is physical adhering force. Small amount of Fe element of the toughing phase diffuses in the HA(ZrO₂) matrix, but no Ca, P element of the matrix diffuses in 316L fibre toughing phase. Both matrix and toughing phase are relatively independent and no chemical reaction is observed in the composites. Brittle fracture and tough fracture are illustrated in HA-ZrO₂(CaO)/316L fibre biomaterials with 5vol% fibres and 10vol%, 20vol%, 40vol% 316L fibres, respectively, and the toughness increases with the increasing of 316L fibre contents in HA-ZrO₂(CaO)/316L fibre biomaterials with 10vol%, 20vol%, 40vol% 316L fibres.

Key words: 316L stainless steel fibre (316L fibre), biomaterials, microstructure, mechanical properties, fracture properties