Exploring powder metallurgy-processed Ti–25Ta-xCu alloys for potential biomedical applications

Abstract

The prevalence of certain bone-related disorders, the advancing age of the population, and routine incidents all contribute to an escalating demand for orthopedic and dental implants. Consequently, there is a growing emphasis on exploring novel material options that can efficiently replace the affected regions. In this study, Ti–25Ta alloys with small amounts of copper (1, 3, and 5 vol%) were developed via powder metallurgy to limit manufacturing costs and induce new functionality on the materials, including antibacterial response. The addition of copper further stabilized the beta titanium phase, promoted the formation of the Ti2Cu phase, slightly increased the microhardness and elasticity modulus of the alloys, and enhanced their corrosion resistance in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 °C. All sintered materials exhibited a bacteriostatic response when exposed to bacterial strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It was observed that higher copper content correlated with a decrease in Escherichia coli colony-forming units (CFU). Based on all conducted evaluations, the Ti–25Ta–5Cu alloy demonstrated the highest potential for future use in the field of biomedical applications.

Keywords

• Ti-Ta-Cu alloys
• Powder metallurgy
• Biomaterials
• Corrosion resistance
• Antibacterial activity