Ti 13Nb 13Zr Alloy Research Articles

Comparative Study of Mechanical and Functional Properties of Age-Hardened Superelastic Ti–Zr–Nb Alloy with Different Initial Microstructures

Comparative Study of Mechanical and Functional Properties of Age-Hardened Superelastic Ti–Zr–Nb Alloy with Different Initial Microstructures

Exploring the composition and corrosion resistance in hybrid-modified Ti13Nb13Zr alloy

AbstractHybrid modification, combining Nd: YAG laser and micro-arc oxidation, enhances biomaterials like titanium alloys by improving biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. This study investigates the chemical composition of modified surfaces and their performance in corrosion tests, with implications for implantology. Results show that hybrid treatment improves ion implantation efficiency and corrosion resistance compared to MAO alone, offering promising benefits for the Ti13Nb13Zr alloy. For instance, the Nd: YAG (1000W)-MAO modification exhibits superior corrosion resistance compared to other methods. Graphical abstract

Enhanced bioactivity and mechanical properties of silicon-infused titanium oxide coatings formed by micro-arc oxidation on selective laser melted Ti13Nb13Zr alloy

The titanium scaffolds and surface-porous implants are manufactured by fast and cheap additive methods such as selective laser melting (SLM). The obtained irregularity and relative biological inertness of the titanium need proper surface modification. This research is aimed at forming bioactive multicomponent oxide coatings by micro-arc oxidation (MAO) at different process parameters on the selective laser-melted Ti13Zr13Nb alloy. The MAO process was carried out in a base solution containing 0.15 mol/L Ca and 0.1 mol/L GP, with different amounts of metasilicate added under two different applied voltages. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray electron diffraction spectroscopy, nanomechanical and nano scratch tests, water contact angle measurements, phosphate deposition observed in long-term immersion tests, and biological LDH and MTT assays were performed. The results showed that the coating microstructure, morphology, and properties were significantly dependent on process parameters. In particular, the metasilicate addition and its rising content in the electrolyte resulted in the higher development of the surface followed by better viability of osteoblasts at no necrosis, with no negative change in the other parameters, usually close to those obtained on silicon-free coatings. The obtained results prove that the addition of silicon to the electrolyte at the partial expense of calcium can be favorable for long-term titanium implants made by selective laser melting.

Structural, Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Hydroxiapatite Reinforced Ti13Nb13Zr/HA Composite Produced by Friction Stir Process (FSP)

Many modification methods are applied to produce Ti-based biomedical materials. In this study, the structural, mechanical and tribological properties of unreinforced Ti13Nb13Zr alloy and Ti13Nb13Zr/HA composites with different contents of hydroxyapatite (HA) reinforcement were investigated by friction stir processing (FSP) to Ti13Nb13Zr alloy. SEM, FTIR and EDS analyzes were performed to determine the structural properties. Surface roughness values were determined using a 3D optical microscope. Surface wettability properties were investigated with a contact angle. Microhardness and wear test devices were used to determine the mechanical and tribological properties, respectively. Wear tests were carried out in a dry environment and phosphate buffered saline solution (PBS). The wear tracks were analyzed by SEM and 3D optical microscope. As a result of FTIR analysis, HA has PO43−, HPO42−, CO32− and OH− bonds. All samples exhibited hydrophilic surfaces suitable for cell adhesion. The FSP process increased the hardness and wear resistance of the Ti13Nb13Zr alloy in both atmospheres. In addition, Ti13Nb13Zr/HA composites significantly increased the hardness and wear resistance of Ti13Nb13Zr alloy and Ti13Nb13Zr alloy modified by FSP.

Evaluation of innovative fluroapatite /silicon dioxide modified zirconia nanocomposites coated on Ti–13Nb–13Zr alloy for dental implant application

Dental implants are intended to function as a durable method for replacing missing teeth. A biocompatible dental alloy is used to achieve integration with the jawbone through Osseointegration. This creates a strong base for the implant, allowing it to withstand the mechanical forces generated during biting and chewing. Dental alloys are commonly subjected to various mouth conditions known for their intricate corrosion potential. Corrosion can weaken the structural integrity of the implant, causing issues such as implant loosening, micro-motion at the implant-bone contact, implant fracture, allergic reactions, toxicity, and possible disruption of the Osseo integration process. To improve the alloy's corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, its surface can be altered using nanocomposite materials. The materials provide a protective coating to the alloy, creating a physical barrier that effectively prevents corrosive substances from reaching the underlying bulk material. This study involves modifying the surface of the dental alloy Ti–13Nb–13Zr with Fluroapatite (FAP)/Silicon dioxide (SiO2) modified zirconia (ZrO2) nano composites. The altered surfaces are then studied in simulated body fluid and artificial saliva solutions using in vitro methods. The FAP/SiO2 modified ZrO2 nanocomposites is applied onto a Ti–13Nb–13Zr alloy utilizing Electrophoretic deposition and Dip coating techniques. The coated samples were analysis utilizing FTIR, XRD, and SEM with EDS. Corrosion analysis was carried out on coated and uncoated samples using Electrochemical methods in simulated body fluid and artificial saliva solution. The biocompatibility is assessed using MTT assay, contact angle, and immersion testing in both SBF and Artificial saliva. EIS and corrosion study results show that FAP/SiO2 modified ZrO2 nanocomposites coated Ti13Nb13Zr alloy has high polarization resistance, low corrosion rate, and good charge transfer resistance, indicating excellent corrosion resistance. The contact angle study showed that the surface-modified Ti13Nb13Zr alloy is superhydrophilic, increasing implant surface osseointegration. Cell viability measurements reveal good cell growth, while immersion investigations show calcification, leading to enhanced osseointegration between the implant and its surrounding tissues. hence, it is an excellent material for dental implants application.

The effects of interstitial oxygen on mechanical properties of TiZrNb medium-entropy alloy over a wide temperature range

Interstitial oxygen plays an important role in the microstructure and mechanical properties of recently developed refractory high-entropy or complex concentrated alloys. However, the mechanical properties of the oxygen-doped complex concentrated refractory alloy over a wide temperature range remain unclear. In this work, the effect of interstitial oxygen on the mechanical behavior of TiZrNb medium-entropy alloys (MEAs) has been investigated. At room temperature (RT), the interstitial oxygen improves the yield strength and tensile ductility owing to interstitial solid-solution strengthening and strain-hardening enhancement. However, simultaneous improvement of the RT strength-ductility by adding interstitial oxygen comes at the expense of increasing the ductile-brittle transition temperature (DBTT). Furthermore, the high-temperature yield strength of TiZrNb alloy can be improved up to 800 °C with the addition of 2 at% oxygen. The results above provide valuable insight into the mechanical properties of TiZrNb MEA, which would contribute to optimizing the high-performance refractory complex concentrated alloys in various applications.

Incorporating microstructural and mechanical heterogeneity to Ti–Zr–Nb alloy by partial high-energy ball milling

This study introduced a novel method for incorporating microstructural and mechanical heterogeneity into Ti–Zr–Nb alloy to improve its strength without significantly affecting the elastic modulus. Ti–Zr–Nb alloy powder was milled at different ball-milling energies using a planetary ball mill, mixed with parent pristine powder in equal weight fractions using a horizontal ball mill, and sintered using spark plasma sintering. The resulting bimodal-like microstructure showed an increase in tensile yield strength (up to 410 MPa) without significant changes in the elastic modulus (<6 GPa). Milling followed by sintering caused grain refinement and precipitation in the relevant zones of the sintered samples, resulting in a heterogeneous structure due to the unique spread of α-precipitates. The strength of the heterogeneity-incorporated alloys was improved as a function of milling while maintaining high plasticity and a low elastic modulus.

Antibacterial properties, biocompatibility and superelastic behavior of Au-cysteine-gentamicin-functionalized Ti–Zr–Nb alloy

Superelastic Ti–18Zr–15Nb alloy capable of mimicking the mechanical behavior of a bone tissue is a promising biomaterial but suffers from the lack of antibacterial properties. To address this problem, we developed a combined surface treatment method: formation of a porous sub-surface layer, deposition/precipitation of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs), surface functionalization with cysteine amino acid and grafting of gentamicin. The sizes distribution and AuNPs content were greatly effected by the synthesis methods. The AuNPs with an average size of 3 nm were obtained by precipitation from a AuNP colloidal solution. Larger AuNPs were formed by preliminary alloy functionalization in a NaBH4 solution followed by treatment in a HAuCl4 solution. Successful surface functionalization with L-cysteine and attachment of gentamicin were confirmed by XPS analysis. Due to the formation of stable cysteine-gentamicin complexes attached to AuNPs, the materials showed high antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains. Better antibacterial properties are ascribed to fine isolated AuNPs as compared to larger ones. Cytocompatibility was assessed for osteoblast cells. In the case of smaller AuNPs, an accelerated restoration of osteoblastic cell proliferation and a more organized actin cytoskeleton were observed. Hemolytic activity of the developed materials was investigated. Functional mechanical properties were not affected by the surface treatment.

Biological and antibacterial properties of chitosan-based coatings with AgNPs and CuNPs obtained on oxidized Ti13Zr13Nb titanium alloy

Despite numerous studies, the antibacterial efficiency and cytotoxicity of chitosan-based coatings with nanometals need further studies. The purpose of this research was to determine the biological properties of chitosan coatings implemented with either silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) or copper nanoparticles (CuNPs), that were electrophoretically deposited on electrochemically oxidized Ti13Zr13Nb alloy. The SEM tests were used to examine the surface uniformity. The biological tests against human osteoblast cells hFOB 1.19 and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria were performed. The release of Cu2+ from coating dependent on the pH of medium. The highest was at pH 3.0 and it achieved 47.73 mg/ml. No cytotoxic effects of the chitosan-AgNPs coatings were observed in direct and indirect contact studies, as there was 20 % inhibition of cell growth but no LDH release which indicate the cell breakdown. Antibacterial properties were proven for all modifications, but this effect was stronger for coatings with implemented AgNPs (log degree of bacteria number reduction >3.75 for E. coli and S. aureus).

WEAR AND ADHESION PROPERTIES OF MULTILAYER Ti/TiN ,(TiC)/TiCN/TaN THIN FILMS DEPOSITED ON Ti13Nb13Zr ALLOY BY CLOSE FIELD UNBALANCED MAGNETRON SPUTTERING

Ti13Nb13Zr alloy stands out as an alternative to Ti6Al4V alloy for orthopedic joint implant applications due to its low modulus of elasticity, high mechanical properties, high corrosion resistance, high biocompatibility and low modulus of elasticity, as well as containing no cytotoxic elements. In this study, Ti13Nb13Zr alloy was coated with TiN/TiC/TiCN/TaN multilayer thin films by pulsed-dc CFBUMS method to increase wear resistance and improve surface properties. Characterization of the deposited films were conducted by XRD, SEM, AFM, pin-on-disk, progressive scratch experiments. As a result, it is observed that all the coatings enhanced the tribological properties of the Ti13Nb13Zr alloy surface. The 20-layer TiN/TiC/TiCN/TaN multilayer coatings gave the best results for wear resistance and adhesion properties. Enhancing the interlayer number resulted in increased wear and adhesion resistance. In addition, it was determined that using TiC instead of TiN in the interlayers gave higher results regarding adhesion, wear, and mechanical properties.

Characteristics of silver-dopped carbon nanotube coating destined for medical applications

Carbon nanotubes are materials demonstrating outstanding mechanical, chemical, and physical properties and are considered coatings of titanium implants. The present research is aimed to characterize the microstructure and properties of the multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) layer decorated with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on the Ti13Nb13Zr alloy destined for long-term implants. The electrophoretic deposition of coatings was performed in a two-stage process, at first at 0.25 wt. pct. of MWCNTs, and next at 0.30 wt. pct. of Ag NPs content in the bath. The SEM, EDS, AFM, Raman spectroscopy, nanoindentation tests, nano-scratch test, wettability assessments, and corrosion tests were carried out. The effects of the presence of Ag NPs onto the MWCNTs coating were observed as the roughness increased to 0.380 µm and thickness to 5.26 µm, the improved adhesion and corrosion resistance, the water contact angle of 62.94°, the decreased nanohardness, Young`s modulus and resistance to plastic deformation under load, and slightly improved adhesion. The obtained results can be explained by a specific two-layer structure of the coating, in which the Ag NPs agglomerates create the coating less porous and permeable, but softer structure. Future research will focus on the improvement of the adhesion of the component coatings in different ways.

Assessment of Some Mechanical Properties of CNC Laser Treated Ti13Zr13Nb Alloy

Assessment of Some Mechanical Properties of CNC Laser Treated Ti13Zr13Nb Alloy

Depth profiling analysis of the nitriding layer formed by gas nitriding of Ti13Nb13Zr alloy

The gas nitriding of Ti13Nb13Zr alloy was performed in a pure nitrogen atmosphere at 1200 °C with different holding times. The variations in the phase constituents, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the nitriding layer with depth were characterized by SEM, XRD, and nanoindentation. Depending on the phase distributions in depth, the nitriding layer could be sequentially divided into an external nitride layer mainly consisting of TiN, an internal nitride layer consisting of TiN, Ti2N and TiN0.3, and an N diffusion region consisting of TiN0.3. The mechanical properties were closely associated with the phase constituents, where the nanohardness of the internal nitride layer, internal nitride layer N diffusion region and substrate were about 17.126±0.399, 12.120±0.386, 5.627±1.080, and 3.632±0.116 GPa, respectively. In the nitriding process, the N diffusion region containing needle-like TiN0.3 precipitates formed in the initial nitriding stage, and then the precipitates were gradually converted to the external and internal nitride layers, whose thickness increased with the nitriding time. Furthermore, the influence of the alloying element redistribution on the N diffusion mechanism was discussed.

Formation of microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti13Nb13Zr medical titanium alloy

The article presents the results of the microstructure and selected mechanical properties of the medical titanium alloy Ti13Nb13Zr. These results were obtained through heat treatment of the alloy, which involved cooling it in the β range (900 °C) and subsequently aging it at various temperatures (350, 450, and 550 °C). The mechanical properties of the alloy were evaluated through tests that determined its strength and plastic indices, including hardness, tensile strength, yield strength, fatigue strength, elongation, and reduction of area. Additionally, the fracture toughness was assessed using the KIc and KV tests. The results of the Charpy impact tests were supported by fractographic documentation of fractures. Furthermore, the fatigue strength test results were presented in the form of elaborated Wöhler curves for each aging temperature.The study revealed that cooling the alloy in the β range resulted in a martensitic transformation and the formation of titanium martensite (α') in the microstructure. However, within the tested range of aging temperatures (350–550 °C), a gradual change in the microstructure was observed, along with the separation of new α and β phases from the titanium martensite. As the aging temperature increased from 350 to 550 °C, the hardness, tensile strength, yield strength, and fatigue strength of the alloy also increased. However, these changes were accompanied by a decrease in plastic properties and fracture toughness (KIc, KV). Additionally, increasing the aging temperature led to a change in the fracture character of the samples, with an increase in fracture dispersion and a shift in the proportions of intercrystalline and transcrystalline fracture. Consequently, these changes resulted in a decrease in fracture toughness and an increase in the strength properties of the alloy.

TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF SILVER DOPED TITANIUMNITRIDE COATINGS

The properties of titanium nitride (TiN:Ag) coatings applied by physical vapour phase deposition technique(PVD) on Ti13Nb13Zr alloy were subject to evaluation. The study presents the results of surface geometricalstructure, adhesion and tribological tests. The geometric structure of the surface was examined using opticalmicroscopy. A scratch test was used to assess adhesion. The model tribological tests were carried out ina rotary motion under technically dry friction conditions, lubricated with Ringer’s solution. In the case oftechnically dry friction, the analysis of the tribological test results indicated that the TiN:Ag coating wascharacterised by higher resistance to motion and lower wear compared to Ti13Nb13Zr. Friction coefficientsregistered during friction subject to lubrication with Ringer’s solution were compared for both materials;however, the surface wear was significantly lower in titanium alloy. The scratch test pointed towards highadhesion of the TiN:Ag coating. The study results provide insight into Ti13Nb13Zr alloy, titanium nitridecoatings and their potential use for surgical instruments.

Microstructure and mechanical properties evolution of Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy processed by ECAP-Conform and rotary swaging

The evolution of the microstructure and properties of Ti-13 Nb-13Zr alloy was investigated for the materials states ranging from the solution treated (ST) state over the continuous equal channel angular pressing (ECAP-Conform) state to the states of the materials processed by combination of ECAP-Conform with rotary swaging (RS) multilevel deformation. In order to investigate microstructure features and mechanical properties for all considered material states, SEM, TEM, XRD and tensile and hardness tests were employed. The two-dimensional mismatch between α′, β, and α phases was calculated to evaluate the effect of the precipitation of the second phase. The results indicate that the microstructure of Ti-13 Nb-13Zr alloy transformed into majority of α′ martensite and a small percentage of residual metastable βm phase after ST. The grains were significantly refined, and a small part of α phase was precipitated during ECAP-Conform. As a result of ECAP-Conform + RS, the average grain size was refined from 34 µm after ST to 152 nm. The vast majority of the unstable phase was retained. Due to the ECAP-Conform + RS, the tensile strength increased to 1167.7 MPa while the elongation was 8.6%. The two-dimensional mismatch between α′, α, and β phases was 22.1%, which belongs to a semi-coherent relationship. The excellent mechanical properties were mainly attributed to the strengthening by α phase precipitation, dislocation strengthening, and grain refinement.

Anisotropic microstructure, nanomechanical and corrosion behavior of direct energy deposited Ti–13Nb–13Zr biomedical alloy

The present study investigates the anisotropic microstructure, nanomechanical and corrosion behavior of Ti–13Nb–13Zr biomedical alloys, which were fabricated using the direct energy deposition (DED) method. The microstructure of the as-deposited material was studied using a field-emission scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). We found anisotropic mechanical behavior using nanoindentation from strain rate sensitivity and creep tests. For the maximum load of 50 mN, the x-y plane (normal to the building direction) shows better indentation hardness and lower strain rate sensitivity value (0.014) compared to the x-z plane (0.022) (parallel to the building direction). The difference in the indentation hardness was mainly attributed to the smaller equiaxed prior-β grains and finer α’ martensitic laths on the x-y plane. In terms of creep behavior, the x-y planes show better creep strength than the x-z plane. Meanwhile, both planes show a very high creep exponent, which signifies a similar creep mechanism, i.e., dislocation based. Moreover, we further found the anisotropic corrosion behavior using electrochemical tests. Corrosion results reveal that the x-y plane is more corrosion-resistant than the x-z plane. In summary, the x-y plane of the direct energy deposited Ti–13Nb–13Zr alloy possesses better strength and corrosion resistance due to its finer microstructure.

Effect of Heat Treatment on Structure and Properties of Ti–Zr–Nb Alloy for Medical Application Produced by Selective Laser Melting

Effect of Heat Treatment on Structure and Properties of Ti–Zr–Nb Alloy for Medical Application Produced by Selective Laser Melting

Mechanical Properties and Wear Susceptibility Determined by Nanoindentation Technique of Ti13Nb13Zr Titanium Alloy after "Direct Laser Writing".

Laser treatment has often been applied to rebuild the surface layer of titanium and its alloys destined for long-term implants. Such treatment has always been associated with forming melted and re-solidified thin surface layers. The process parameters of such laser treatment can be different, including the patterning of a surface by so-called direct writing. In this research, pulse laser treatment was performed on the Ti13Nb13Zr alloy surface, with the distance between adjacent laser paths ranging between 20 and 50 µm. The obtained periodic structures were tested to examine the effects of the scan distance on the microstructure using SEM, the roughness and chemical and phase composition using EDS and XRD, and the mechanical properties using the nanoindentation technique. After direct laser writing, the thickness of the melted layers was between 547 and 123 µm, and the surface roughness varied between 1.74 and 0.69 µm. An increase in hardness was observed after laser treatment. The highest hardness, 5.44 GPa, was obtained for the sample modified with a laser beam spacing of 50 µm. The value of the distance has been shown to be important for several properties and related to a complex microstructure of the thin surface layer close to and far from the laser path.

ABRASION RESISTANCE TEST OF THE MODIFIED Ti13Nb13ZrALLOY SURFACE

The research describes an atomic layer deposition (ALD) coating method and its application on a new generationof titanium alloy (Ti13Nb13Zr) for biomedical applications. The study aimed to assess the physicochemicalproperties and mechanics of a titanium alloy coated with titanium oxide (TiO2) or aluminium oxide (Al2O3)using the ALD method. The physicochemical properties of the surface coatings were evaluated throughmicroscopic observations, potentiodynamic tests, surface wettability tests, optical profilometry scratch tests,and abrasion tests. Based on the data obtained, different physicochemical properties of the alloy with titaniumnitride and titanium oxide coatings were found. Such differences were dependent on the number of cyclesused and the temperature of the manufacturing process. The coatings have reduced the abrasion coefficient,thus improving the abrasion resistance of the Ti13Nb13Zr alloy, which enables their use within the skeletalsystem. These findings are of practical importance for applying this type of surface modification to varioustypes of miniaturised implants used in the skeletal system.