Biocompatibility, corrosion, and wear resistance of β titanium alloys for biomedical applications

A novel beta- Ti-xNb-3.5Sn alloys (x = 33, 36, and 39 wt. % Nb) were made using mechanical alloying of elemental powders by cold isostatic pressing. These powders were blended and then milled at different times using a planetary ball mill. The milled powders were compacted and then consolidated at different temperatures. The produced alloys were characterized as a biomedical material; using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, corrosion, wear resistance, as well as biocompatibility. The results showed that the titanium was completely transformed from (alpha to (the phase after milling time of 4 h and consolidation temperature of 1000 degrees C. Good results for both wear resistance, biocompatibility and corrosion resistance came from the addition of niobium. Biocompatibility slightly decreases with increasing the milling time and decreasing the consolidation temperature. This is due to the presence of FeO phase that is coming from ball contamination during the milling process. The wear resistance decreases with increasing both the milling time and consolidation temperature. The good corrosion resistance and adequate wear resistance, further that the investigated alloy is an attractive material for an orthopedic implant.