Phase Composition and Microstructure of Ti-Nb Alloy Produced by Selective Laser Melting

Yu P Sharkeev,Zh G Kovalevskaya,E V Babakova,A A Saprykin,M A Chimich,P V Uvarkin,E A Ibragimov,I A Glukhov,A Yu Eroshenko

doi:10.1088/1757-899x/140/1/012020

Abstract

The phase composition and microstructure of Ti-Nb alloy produced from composite titanium and niobium powder by selective laser melting (SLM) was studied. Produced monolayered Ti-Nb alloy enhanced the formation of fine-grained and medium-grained zones with homogeneous element composition of 36-38% Nb mass interval. Alloy phase composition responded to β-alloy substrate phase (grain size was 5-7 pm) and non-equilibrium martensite α"- phase (grain size was 0.1-0.7 µm). α"-phase grains were found along β-phase grain boundaries and inside grains, including decreased niobium content. Alloy microhardness varied within 4200-5500 MPa.

Highlights

Bioinert low-modulus Ti-Nb alloys [1] are more preferable as medical alloys
Based on the above-mentioned facts, an upcoming trend in medical materials science is the production of biocompatible titanium alloys with low elastic modulus, for example, alloys of Ti-Nb or Ti-Nb-Zr systems [6]
This paper describes the investigation of specific features of alloy structure formation and phase composition of Тi40Nb produced by selective laser melting (SLM)

Summary

Introduction

Bioinert low-modulus Ti-Nb alloys [1] are more preferable as medical alloys. Due to their physicmechanical characteristics—mainly low elastic modulus and bioinert properties—these alloys are excellent materials for medical implants [1, 2]. For example 3Dprinting mode selective laser melting (SLM) could be, in most cases, the only alternative method in manufacturing composite mold castings and/or parts using NC (numerical control) machine [3,4,5]. In this respect, the SLM method could be rather challenging in the production of implants and endoprostheses. The SLM method could be rather challenging in the production of implants and endoprostheses Another important aspect is that this method produces items with specified porosity, which, in its turn, improves the implant material to bones osseointegration.

Methods

Results

Conclusion