Abstract
Metastable beta Ti-(29-35)Nb-7Zr-0.7O system is studied as a perspective material for orthopedic implants with low elastic modulus. Optimization of the alloy composition is the crucial step on this journey, requiring preparation of many samples with slightly different composition.
The material in this study was prepared by blended elemental powder metallurgy (BEPM) using spark plasma sintering method (SPS) at the range of 1300-1500 °C. This can provide a fast technique for a small-scale prototyping of the alloy composition.
Diffusion of alloying elements and its influence on phase transitions was studied. Niobium (as a main beta-stabilizing element) exhibited the slowest diffusion, resulting in its non-homogeneous distribution.
During the SPS cooling, metastable beta phase is stable down to 18-20 wt% of Nb. This suggests that no quenching is necessary after sufficient solution treatment in the SPS.