Processing of a Beta Titanium Alloy by Metal Injection Molding (MIM)

Abstract:

The characteristics of β-phase metastable Ti alloys make them an attractive choice for advanced engineering applications in demanding conditions. Ti-35Nb alloy has high strength-to-weight ratios, deep hardenability and high biocompatibility exhibiting high potential for use in niche applications for aircraft structures, orthopedic implants, and orthodontic devices. The difficulty of producing complex shapes of these alloys by conventional methods for reasonable costs makes Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) attractive. Sintering behavior, microstructure and mechanical properties of a Ti–35Nb alloy processed by MIM technology from hydrided powders were investigated in this work by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and thermal and microhardness analysis. Samples with relative density up to 93% have been produced using a feedstock based on wax-polymer binder. The microstructural evolution observed during sintering from 900 °C up to 1500 °C indicates a combination of densification and optimized microstructure reached because of the complete dissolution of the β stabilizer (Nb) in the titanium matrix. The injection and sintering parameters provided a homogeneous microstructure with some TiC precipitates at grain boundaries and relative high porosity. Higher sintering temperatures or longer holding times can lead to intensive grain growth.

• Periodical: Materials Science Forum (Volume 1146)
• Pages: 103-111
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-Oussv5
• Online since: March 2025
• Authors: Raphael Oliveira Pires de Lima, Mauro H. Lapena, Adriana M. Gama, Vinicius André Rodrigues Henriques*
• Keywords: Metal Injection Moulding, Microstructural Development, Sintering, Titanium Alloys

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