Characterization of Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta alloy produced by powder metallurgy

Titanium and titanium alloys present the highest biocompatibility among metallic biomaterials. The ideal titanium alloy for orthopedic applications should have low modulus of elasticity (near the bone), excellent mechanical strength, high corrosion resistance, formability and no potential toxic elements. Among titanium alloys, the Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta alloy, due its high biocompatibility and lower Young's modulus is a promising candidate for implants material. The titanium alloys production by powder metallurgy, starting from the elementary powders, is a viable route due at the smaller costs and larger operational facilities. The Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta samples were manufactured by blended elemental method from a sequence of uniaxial and cold isostatic pressing with subsequent densification. by sintering between 900 at 1700 degrees C, in vacuum, under a heating rate of 20 degrees C(.)min(-1) for 1h. The objective of this work is the analysis of alloy microstructural evolution from the powders dissolution under the increase of the sintering temperature. For the alloy microstructural characterization, scanning electron microscopy and Vickers microhardness measurements, were used. Density was measured by Archimedes method. The samples presented high densification, an homogeneous microstructural development, with complete dissolution of alloying elements in the titanium matrix with the temperature increase.