Microstructural characterization of beta-type titanium alloys

• Grant number: 06/01852-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Technical Training Program - Technical Training
• Effective date (Start): June 01, 2006
• Effective date (End): May 31, 2007
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Physical Metallurgy
• Principal Investigator: Rubens Caram Junior
• Grantee: Edenise Oliveira de Moura Garcia
• 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

The aim of this proposal of technical capacitation is the characterization of type beta titanium alloys, of low elastic modulus, 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.