Effect of manganese on the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of titanium alloys

Abstract

The phase/microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of a series of binary TiMn alloys with 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt% Mn were investigated in order to understand the effects of Mn content on mechanical properties, oxidation behavior, and electrochemical corrosion properties of TiMn alloys. The phase/microstructure of Ti-xMn alloys was analyzed using X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. All examined properties of the TiMn alloys were sensitive to the Mn content. The tested Ti-xMn alloys had α-Ti, β-Ti, and α-TiMn phases. TiMn alloy containing 5 wt% Mn composed of α-Ti, β-Ti, α-TiMn, and isothermal ω phases. The proportion of α-Ti phase decreased and precipitation of β-Ti phase increased with increasing wt% of Mn. Cast TiMn exhibited higher hardness and better oxidation protection than commercially pure Ti (cp-Ti). The tested Ti-xMn alloys showed better corrosion resistance than the cp-Ti. TiMn alloy containing 5 wt% Mn had the highest hardness and lowest modulus, and is a good candidate for dental implant alloy.