Preparation and characterization of Ti-10Mb-5Mn-1Ag alloys, aiming biomedical applications

Abstract

Due to the excellent biocompatibility allied to corrosion resistance, the application of titanium alloys in the field of orthopedic and dental implants have gained strength since 1970. However, the elastic modulus of these alloys is still about 2 to 4 times higher than the human bone. The most widely used titanium alloy for biomedical applications is Ti-6Al-4V, however, previous studies have shown that vanadium causes allergic reactions in human tissues and aluminum has been associated with neurological disorders. Thus, to circumvent this problem, new titanium alloys without the presence of these elements are being developed, with the addition of different elements, usually ²-stabilizers, which can change their microstructure and mechanical properties, can make titanium and its alloys, more promising for use as biomaterial. The most promising alloys are those that have niobium, zirconium, molybdenum and tantalum as alloy elements, added to titanium. From preliminary studies of the group on the development of new biomedical alloys of titanium with low elasticity modulus and with non-toxic alloy elements, Ti-10Mo-5Mn alloy was developed. This alloy has been shown to have low elasticity modulus, good mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Currently, researches have focused on the processing of biofunctional materials for biomedical implants, adding elements that encourage bone regeneration and avoid bacterial infection. Silver is a euthectoid ²-stabilizer element, recognized for its antibacterial action, and can improve mechanical strength and decrease the elasticity modulus. This project aims to add a small silver content (around 1 wt%) in Ti-10Mo-5Mn alloy and check its effect on the crystalline structure, microstructure, Vickers microhardness and modulus of elasticity, in order to add a potential antibacterial effect in its composition..