Recent Development of Low-Cost β-Ti Alloys for Biomedical Applications: A Review

Abstract

The necessity for biomedical components is increasing every year. However, Ti6Al4V, the most widely utilized titanium alloy for biomedical implants are very costly owing to the high price of V alloying element. Furthermore, both alloying elements Al and V, have adverse effects in human body which is not desirable. This review paper highlights significant findings on alloy design using low-cost alloying elements, their processing routes, and their relationship to microstructural, mechanical, and biological properties. Mo, Fe, Mn, Zr, and Cu were identified as low-cost alloying elements and fabrication of titanium alloys with these elements are usually carried out using arc melting, investment casting, powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing, diffusion couple, and thermomechanical processing. Several processing routes can be chosen to obtain optimum properties such as β-phase titanium alloy structure, low elastic modulus, and high strength. Alloy design, post-heat treatment process, and fatigue test for newly developed alloys are research that can be carried out in the future for the development of new titanium materials that are safe for human use and at a more affordable price.