Ti–25Ta alloy with the best mechanical compatibility in Ti–Ta alloys for biomedical applications

The microstructures, dynamic elastic modulus, and mechanical properties of the Ti–25Ta (mass%) alloy are investigated in this study in order to assess its mechanical compatibility for biomedical applications. The microstructures are examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The dynamic elastic modulus is measured by the resonance vibration method and the mechanical properties are determined from uniaxial tensile tests. The experimental results indicate that the Ti–25Ta alloy exhibits an orthorhombic martensite (α″) twinned structure after solution treatment. The Ti–25Ta alloy has the lowest elastic modulus and the highest ratio of strength to modulus among Ti–Ta alloys. Thus, the Ti–25Ta alloy exhibits the best mechanical compatibility among Ti–Ta alloys and is a promising candidate for novel metallic biomaterials.