Spark plasma sintered Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta-1Cu alloy

Abstract

Beta-titanium alloys composed of non-toxic and non-allergic alloying elements are the material of choice for biomedical applications. The effects of Cu addition and heat treatment on the microstructural evolution and phase transformation of Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta alloys were thoroughly investigated. The spark plasma sintering (SPS) was used to fabricate Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta with a micro-addition of 1 wt.% Cu. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) were used to investigate microstructural evolution and phase transformation. Microstructures obtained include a predominant BCC β-phase and a two-phase area (α+β) with a large grain boundary of β-phase without the intermetallic phase, implying a positive effect on the mechanical properties of the alloy. The sintered alloys exhibited excellent corrosion resistance and may be suitable candidates for biomaterial applications.

Keywords

• ti-alloy
• biomaterials
• microstructures
• crystallography electrochemical analysis