Aging response of the Ti–Nb system biomaterials with β-stabilizing elements

Effects of aging temperature and the contents of β-stabilizing elements on the composition of martensite α′′ in two Ti–Nb alloys and the resulting mechanical properties were investigated for biomedical applications. The microstructures were examined by means of optical microscopy (OM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Vickers hardness, compressive elastic modulus and the yield strength have been measured. The results show that the decomposition mode of the martensite α′′ in two studied alloys depends on aging treatment and the contents of β-stabilizing elements. Various microstructures such as α, (α + β) and (β + ω) phases were observed to precipitate in the studied alloys after the aging treatments performed at 523 K, 773 K, 883 K and 1023 K for 0.5 h, respectively. Afterwards, the Ti–24Nb–6Zr–7.5Sn–2Fe alloy was aged at 773 K for 1 h. The compressive elastic modulus and mechanical properties of the two alloys are found to be sensitive to the microstructural change caused by aging temperature. For the Ti–24Nb–6Zr–7.5Sn–2Fe alloy, after aging at 773 K for 1 h, its yield strength, compressive elastic modulus and Vickers hardness reach 846 MPa, 26 GPa and 398 HV, respectively. This aged alloy exhibits proper comprehensive mechanical property and strength-to-modulus ratio for biomedical implant applications.