A low-cost TiNb alloy with high strength for orthopedic implants with low modulus tuned by oxygen concentration

Abstract

Hard tissue repair materials that balance high strength with low modulus are highly promising, representing a transformative focus in applied biomaterials research. In this study, Ti-Nb alloys with high performance are prepared by a low-cost process for orthopedic applications. Phase composition, modulus, compressive strength and recovery properties are effectively manipulated by tailoring trace amounts of interstitial oxygen. With increasing oxygen concentration in sintered Ti-Nb alloys, the β (body centered cubic) phase was stabilized due to the lattice distortion. The elastic modulus declined from 91 to 24 GPa. The compressive strength slightly decreased from 1595 to 1404 MPa and yield strength increased from 760 to 904 MPa. Additionally, the recovery properties were enhanced by the interstitial oxygen as a shape memory alloy. The utilization of trace oxygen serves to modulate the thermoelastic martensitic transformation in Ti-Nb alloys, thereby obtaining appropriate mechanical properties. A notable reduction in modulus is achieved while maintaining high strength, which facilitates the development of orthopedic implants capable of withstanding more complex forces.

Keywords

titanium / TiNb / low modulus / oxygen / recovery properties / XRD refinement

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Central South University