Biomedical Ti-Cu-Mn alloys with antibacterial capability

This study aims to develop Ti-Cu-Mn alloys with antibacterial capability for reducing the possibility of bacterial infection during biomedical implant surgeries. Ternary alloys were designed to be manufactured via powder metallurgy, which has intrinsic manufacturing, economic, and environmental benefits. The amount of each of the alloying elements was limited to prevent the formation of brittle phases. It is found that the selected compositions of Cu (0.5-5 wt.%) plus Mn (0.25-2.5 Mn wt.%) can successfully be manufactured achieving microstructures, tensile properties and antibacterial capability performance comparable to those of other biomedical Ti alloys. Specifically, homogeneous compositions are achieved with the selected sintering parameters (1300 degrees C/120 min). The strength and hardness of the material increase proportionally with the addition rate of Cu and Mn, and antibacterial capability values were found to be above the 90% threshold required for antibacterial certification. (C) 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

This study successfully developed Ti-Cu-Mn alloys with antibacterial capability through powder metallurgy method, achieving performance comparable to other biomedical Ti alloys. The addition rates of Cu and Mn impact the strength, hardness, and antibacterial capability of the material.