Microstructural Evolution of Ti-13Nb-13Zr Alloy during Sintering

With the prolonged average duration of life, there is an increase concern for repair of bone, joints and teeth which deteriorated and lose their functions. Thus, research of artificial materials for implants has assumed an important role in the implants development. The trend of the current research in orthopedic implants is based in the development of titanium alloys with low modulus of elasticity, next to the bone, and toxic elements free. In this work, results of the Ti-13Zr- 13Nb alloy sintering are presented. This alloy due its high biocompatibility and lower modulus of elasticity is a promising candidate for implants fabrication. Samples were produced by mixing of initial metallic powders followed by uniaxial and cold isostatic pressing with subsequent densification by sintering between 800 at 1500 °C, in vacuum. Sintering behavior was studied by means of dilatometry. Sintered samples were characterized for phase composition, microstructure and microhardness by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Vickers indentation, respectively. Density was measured by Archimedes method. It was shown that the samples were sintered to high densities and presented homogeneous microstructure from the elements dissolution. Processing parameters were optimized in order to reduce the interstitial pick-up (O, C, N and H) and to minimize grain growth during sintering.