Influence of Nb Content on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Powder Sintered Ti-Nb-Mo Alloys

摘要

Beta-Ti alloys based on non-toxic elements and lower elastic modulus have recently shown great potential to be used as biomaterials. Previous studies have positioned Mo as a strong titanium beta phase stabilizer, reaching complete stabilization of beta phase when it is added in quantities over 15% in weight. However, biocompatibility of Mo is still controversial, which has led to consider other elements with better biocompatibility such as Nb. This study evaluates the influence of Nb on the microstructure and mechanical properties of pressed and sintered Ti-Nb-Mo alloys, based on a Ti-15(equivalent wt.%)Mo alloy. The results show larger beta phase microstructure formation with the addition of Nb. Elastic modulus and microhardness decreased as increasing Nb content, as well as the relative density. The results suggest that Ti-27Nb-8Mo alloy could be a promising alternative for biomedical applications.