Optimization of biocorrosion resistance and mechanical properties of PM Ti–XAl–2Fe–3Cu alloys by response surface methodology

Abstract

In the current study, the biocorrosion resistance and mechanical properties of the Ti–XAl–2Fe–3Cu (wt%) (X = 6, 4, 2 wt%) alloy produced by powder compact extrusion of blended elemental powders were optimized by using the response surface methodology in order to gain the best combination of processing parameters. To run the optimization process, central composite design with three equal levels of oxygen, hydrogen and aluminum was used and, by employing ANOVA, the analysis of variance was implemented. The results showed that the content of aluminum has a significant effect on the microstructure, mechanical properties, biocorrosion resistance and fracture behavior of the extruded rods. The highest aluminum content corresponds to the highest alloy strength and biocorrosion resistance. This was due to the reduction of the lamella thickness and of the material colonies as the aluminum content increases. Also, by running the experimental and optimization tests, the mechanical properties resulted 1245 MPa in yield strength and 1340 MPa in ultimate tensile strength with 0.1 µAcm−2 in corrosion current.