Mechanical properties and deformation behavior of Ti–5Cr– xFe alloys

Abstract

The effects of iron on the mechanical properties and deformation behavior of a Ti–5Cr-based system were studied with emphasis on improving the strength/modulus ratio. As-cast Ti–5Cr and a series of Ti–5Cr– xFe ( x = 0.1, 0.5, 1, 3 and 5 mass%) alloys prepared by using a dental cast machine were investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) for phase analysis was conducted with a diffractometer. Three-point bending tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical properties of all specimens. The fractured surfaces were observed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, the surface morphology of a post-bending unetched specimen was examined by using an optical microscope. The experimental results indicated that only Ti–5Cr–3Fe and Ti–5Cr–5Fe alloys exhibited ductile properties. The bending moduli of the Ti–5Cr–3Fe and Ti–5Cr–5Fe alloys without an ω phase were lower than those of the Ti–5Cr and Ti–5Cr– xFe alloys with an ω phase. The Ti–5Cr–3Fe alloy exhibited highest bending strength/modulus ratios as large as 25.1, being higher than those of commercially pure titanium (c.p. Ti) by 195% and of the Ti–5Cr alloy by 132%. Moreover, the Ti–5Cr–5Fe alloy also had highest ratios as large as 24.6, being higher than those of c.p. Ti by 189% and of the Ti–5Cr alloy by 128%. Furthermore, the elastically recoverable angles of the Ti–5Cr–3Fe (31.5°) and Ti–5Cr–5Fe (29.6°) alloys were greater than those of c.p. Ti (2.7°) by as much as 1067% and 996%, respectively. The optical micrographs indicated that the surfaces of the Ti–5Cr–3Fe and Ti–5Cr–5Fe alloys were covered with many slip bands. In the current search for better implant materials, the low modulus, ductile property, excellent elastic recovery capability and reasonably high strength (or high strength/modulus ratio) β phase Ti–5Cr–3Fe and Ti–5Cr–5Fe alloys seem to be promising candidates.