Abstract
The development of a Ti-34Nb-6Sn alloy by the powder metallurgy method, employing two different compaction conditions, A (100 MPa) and B (200 MPa), was carried out. To evaluate the feasibility of the Ti-34Nb-6Sn alloy as an implant biomaterial, microstructural and mechanical characterizations, as well as corrosion susceptibility and ion release tests, were performed. Results indicated microstructures dominated by the presence of β-Ti phase and a lower percentage of α-Ti and Nb phases. The porosity percentage decreased when the compaction pressure increased. Both conditions presented a good match between the elastic moduli of the alloy (14.0 to 18.8 GPa) and that reported for the bone tissue. The Ti, Nb and Sn ions released for both compaction conditions were within the acceptable ranges for the human body. Condition B showed higher corrosion resistance in comparison with condition A. Based on the obtained results, the produced porous Ti-34Nb-6Sn alloys are feasible materials for orthopedic implant applications.
Highlights
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutralThe increase in population life expectancy and the decline in birth rates have increased the need for the use of orthopedic implants [1,2]
Considering that the crystalline structure of β and Nb phases corresponds to the space group Im-3m and their lattice parameters are nearly similar [20,21], it is not possible to discern between both phases by x-ray diffraction (XRD)
The three phases present are in agreement with those expected for Ti-Nb alloys with a similar Nb content obtained by powder metallurgy methods [22,23,24]
Summary
The increase in population life expectancy and the decline in birth rates have increased the need for the use of orthopedic implants [1,2]. The devices used most often are based on metallic, ceramic and polymer materials [3], as they can almost recover the full function of bone tissue for a significant duration [4]. Titanium has promising characteristics for biomaterials, such as high mechanical strength, medium elastic modulus, low susceptibility to corrosion and good biocompatibility [6,7]. For these reasons, more than 70% of the devices used have Ti in their composition [8,9]. The most widely used Ti alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) includes aluminum and vanadium, components that are known as cytotoxic and which can lead to neurological with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
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