Integration of Metallurgical, Additives, and Biological Processes in the Development of Equimassic Titanium Alloys for Implants

• Grant number: 25/11856-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Physical Metallurgy
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Roberto Grandini
• Grantee: Rafael Formenton Macedo dos Santos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/01132-2 - Multidisciplinary Center for the Development of Assistive Technology (MCDAT), AP.CCD

Abstract

The growing demand for orthopedic therapies drives the development of more efficient, biocompatible, and economically viable biomaterials. Titanium alloys, particularly those in the ¿-phase (¿-Ti), have been extensively studied due to their desirable properties for biomedical applications, such as high corrosion resistance, good biocompatibility, and an elastic modulus close to that of human bone. However, the presence of potentially toxic elements in conventional alloys such as Ti-6Al-4V has prompted the search for alternative compositions free of aluminum and vanadium. In this context, the present project proposes the development of equimass alloys within the Ti-Nb-Sn-(Ta-Mn) systems, replacing expensive and dense elements such as Mo and Zr with lighter and more abundant alternatives such as Mn and Sn, without compromising mechanical and biological performance. In addition to the rational selection of compositions, the project incorporates additive manufacturing by selective laser melting (SLM), which enables the fabrication of customized implants and can reduce the elastic modulus. However, SLM may induce heterogeneous microstructures and residual stresses, negatively affecting fatigue and wear resistance. To mitigate these effects, process optimization strategies will be evaluated. Simultaneously, the tribocorrosive behavior of the alloys in physiological environments will be investigated, considering the synergistic effects of corrosion and wear. Finally, surface modifications through plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) will be applied with the aim of enhancing the biological response and corrosion resistance of the implants. Ultimately, the project aims to obtain innovative alloys with optimized mechanical, physicochemical, and biological properties, offering more sustainable, safe, and effective solutions for the orthopedic and dental implant industry. (AU)