Effect of aging heat treatments on Ti-Nb and Ti-Nb-Ta alloys

Abstract

The aim of this research is the study of beta titanium alloys with Nb and Ta to be applied in orthopedic implants. The beta titanium alloys are advantageous when compared to alpha + beta alloys, not only because of their low Young’s modulus, which is considerably favorable to the bone tissue near the implant, but also because they are obtained from highly biocompatible elements. This work aims to evaluate the effect of phase stability on the elastic modulus of Ti-Nb-Ta alloys obtained under different cooling condition from the beta field. It includes preparation of titanium alloys in a arc furnace under controlled atmosphere, different heat treatment and sample characterization by using optical and acoustic test for elastic modulus analysis.