Development of Ti-Zr alloys by powder metallurgy for biomedical applications

Commercial pure titanium offers excellent biocompatibility, but its properties are poor for some biomedical applications where both mechanical properties and biocompatibility are required. The study attempts to evaluate the developement ofTi-Zr alloys using conventional powder metallurgical techniques by mixing elemental powder (BE) or mechanical mixing (MA) as a function of the zirconium content (6, 15 and 20 wt-%). Sintering was performed at 1523 K after compaction at 700 MPa for BE powders and 900 MPa for MA powders. Sintered parts were tested to obtain maximum flexural strength. Samples were characterised microstructurally by X-ray diffraction to study the phases. Optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to study the phases, porosity, grain size. Flexural strength to Ti CP was greater, but slightly diminished with increasing Zr content. However, the elastic modulus increased slightly compared to Ti. The results obtained show that it is possible to make these alloys by powder metallurgy.