Development of Materials based on Titanium Alloys by Additive Manufacturing.

• Grant number: 25/21837-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: December 01, 2025
• End date: November 30, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Paulo Noronha Lisboa Filho
• Grantee: Anisha Parida
• 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

Titanium and its alloys are recognized for their mechanical properties, corrosion and wear resistance, and biocompatibility, resulting from their chemical and phase composition. The metal is widely used in various healthcare areas, such as implants and fixation devices for orthopedics, dentistry, and cardiology. The manufacture of external prosthetics for amputees may establish itself as a new application window for titanium alloys, especially for the ankle-foot joint, given the requirements necessary to reproduce biomechanical stresses in corrosive environments at different temperatures. Furthermore, the use of low-cost alloying elements, such as Fe and Al, can ensure greater public access to this type of device, meeting a demand from the UN 2030 Agenda. Concomitantly, greater corrosion and wear resistance can be achieved with the addition of other specific alloying elements, such as Cr. Finally, surface modification techniques, such as micro-arc oxidation (MAO), can protect the surface against degradation stimulated by microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria. Therefore, this project aims to study the chemical, physical, structural, microstructural, mechanical, electrochemical, biological, and tribological properties of Ti-10Al-2(Fe,Cr) (wt%)-based alloys with a surface treated by MAO in a Cu-rich solution, aiming at their use as external prosthetics. (AU)