Characterization techniques of titanium alloys applied in orthopedic implants

• Grant number: 05/02424-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Technical Training Program - Technical Training
• Start date: August 01, 2005
• End date: April 30, 2006
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Physical Metallurgy
• Principal Investigator: Rubens Caram Junior
• Grantee: Alessandra Cremasco
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Mecânica (FEM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 03/09849-7 - Excellence group in developing and characterizing titanium alloys for orthopedic and dental applications, AP.PRNX.TEM

Abstract

This training program deals with the processing and characterization of titanium alloys to be used in orthopedics implants. The beta titanium alloys are advantageous when compared to alfa + beta alloys, not only because of their low Young’s modulus, which is considerably favorable to the bone tissue near the implant, but also because they are obtained from highly biocompatible elements, like Ta, Nb and Zr. Adding betagenic elements to titanium allows one to stabilizing beta phase and improving its mechanical properties. This program includes preparation of titanium alloys in a arc furnace under controlled atmosphere and sample characterization by using optical and electronic microscopies, thermal analyses and X-ray diffraction tests.