Synthesis of porous Ti-50Ta alloy by powder metallurgy

The aim of the present study was to assess the possibility of producing porous Ti-50Ta (wt%) alloys using powder metallurgy by characterizing the material properties. The influence of the sintering time on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion behaviour of the produced alloy was investigated. The samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), optic microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and nanoindentation methods. The XRD results confirmed that nanocrystalline alpha and beta phases were formed during high-energy ball milling. A longer sintering time of 72 h allowed complete interdiffusion of the elements in the pre-milled initial powders. The sintering time significantly influenced the microstructure and porosity. Additionally, the corrosion resistance of the Ti-Ta samples in Ringer's solution was characterized and differences were observed between the samples sintered at different temperatures. The open-circuit potential (E-OCP) and the corrosion potential (E-CORR) of all samples were similar. The sintered Ti-50Ta (wt%) alloy showed better corrosion resistance than equivalent Ti or Ta reference samples. We concluded that these alloys had suitable properties for medical implant applications in the future.