Development of Biodegradable Mg-Ti Alloy Synthesized Using Mechanical Alloying

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study the effect of milling time on binary magnesium-titanium (Mg-Ti) alloy synthesized by mechanical alloying. A powder mixture of Mg and Ti with the composition of Mg-15wt%Ti was milled in a planetary mill under argon atmosphere using a stainless steel container and balls. Milling process was carried out at 400 rpm for various milling time of 2, 5, 10, 15 and 30 hours. 3% n-heptane solution was added prior to milling process to avoid excessive cold welding of the powder. Then, as-milled powder was compacted under 400 MPa and sintered in a tube furnace at 500 °C in argon flow. The refinement analysis of the x-ray diffraction patterns shows the presence of Mg-Ti solid solution when Mg-Ti powder was mechanically milled for 15 hours and further. Enhancements of Mg-Ti phase formation with a reduction in Mg crystallite size were observed with the increase in milling time. A prolonged milling time has increased the density and hardness of the sintered Mg-Ti alloy.