Analyzing the effect of Fe addition into Ti-20Nb-x-10Zr-xFe biomedical alloy fabricated by arc melting

This work aimed to determine the effect of Fe addition on the stability of the beta-phase, as well as on the mechanical and corrosion properties of the biomedical Ti-Nb-Zr alloy. Fe content ranged from 1 to 5 at.% in alloys fabricated by the arc melting technique under Ar atmosphere. The microstructure was assessed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Microhardness and nanoindentation tests evaluated the mechanical properties, and potentiodynamic polarization tests the corrosion resistance. Results indicated that the beta-phase stability is affected by the Fe addition, obtaining a beta-Ti alloy for 5 at.%. This alloy also showed an increment of 40% in microhardness values and the best elastic recovery. The corrosion rate was also enhanced by 50% when 5 at.% of Fe is added into the alloy, as a consequence of the beta stabilization. In conclusion, the Ti-15Nb-10Zr-5Fe alloy showed an excellent combination of properties for potential biomedical applications.