In situ production of low-modulus Ti-Nb alloys by selective laser melting and their functional assessment toward orthopedic applications

J Mater Chem B. 2024 Jun 19;12(24):5982-5993. doi: 10.1039/d4tb00379a.

Abstract

This work aimed to manufacture Ti-28.5Nb and Ti-40.0Nb (wt%) alloys in situ via selective laser melting (SLM) from Ti and Nb elemental powders. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed complete β-phase (cubic) in Ti-40.0Nb and a mixture of (α'' orthorhombic + β cubic) phases in Ti-28.5Nb were formed, whereas few of the Nb particles remained only partially fused during manufacturing. The fraction of partially melted Nb particles was determined as ∼2 and ∼18% in Ti-28.5Nb and Ti-40Nb, respectively. Mechanical characterization revealed higher hardness and more strength in Ti-28.5Nb than in Ti-40.0Nb due to the presence of the α'' phase in the former. Tribocorrosion tests reveal a significantly better wear-corrosion resistance for Ti-40.0Nb, as determined from a lower total volume loss in Ti-40.0Nb (∼2 × 10-4 mm-3) than in Ti-28.5Nb (∼13 × 10-2 mm-3). The lower volume loss and better corrosion resistance behavior are attributed to the β phase, which was dominant in Ti-40.0Nb. Cell studies reveal no toxicity for up to 7 days. Both the alloys were better at supporting cell proliferation than wrought Ti6Al4V. This study presents a route to preparing Ti-Nb alloys in situ by SLM that are promising candidates for biomedical applications.

MeSH terms

  • Alloys* / chemistry
  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemical synthesis
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Biocompatible Materials / pharmacology
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Lasers*
  • Materials Testing
  • Mice
  • Niobium* / chemistry
  • Surface Properties
  • Titanium* / chemistry

Substances

  • Alloys
  • Niobium
  • Titanium
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • titanium-niobium alloy