Structure and mechanical properties of as-cast Ti–5Nb–xFe alloys

In this study, as-cast Ti–5Nb and a series of Ti–5Nb–xFe alloys were investigated and compared with commercially pure titanium (c.p. Ti) in order to determine their structure and mechanical properties. The series of Ti–5Nb–xFe alloys contained an iron content ranging from 1 to 5 mass% and were prepared by using a commercial arc-melting vacuum-pressure casting system. Additionally, X-ray diffraction (XRD) for phase analysis was conducted with a diffractometer, and three-point bending tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical properties of all specimens. The fractured surfaces were observed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results indicated that these alloys possessed a range of different structures and mechanical properties dependent upon the various additions of Fe. With an addition of 1 mass% Fe, retention of the metastable β phase began. However, when 4 mass% Fe or greater was added, the β phase was entirely retained with a bcc crystal structure. Moreover, the ω phase was only detected in the Ti–5Nb–2Fe, Ti–5Nb–3Fe and Ti–5Nb–4Fe alloys. The largest quantity of ω phase and the highest bending modulus were found in the Ti–5Nb–3Fe alloy. The Ti–5Nb–2Fe alloy had the lowest bending modulus, which was lower than that of c.p. Ti by 20%. This alloy exhibited the highest bending strength/modulus ratio of 26.7, which was higher than that of c.p. Ti by 214%, and of the Ti–5Nb alloy (14.4 ) by 85%. Additionally, the elastically recoverable angles of the ductile Ti–5Nb–1Fe (19.9°) and Ti–5Nb–5Fe (29.5°) alloys were greater than that of c.p. Ti (2.7°) by as much as 637% and 993%, respectively. Furthermore, the preliminary cell culturing results revealed that the Ti–5Nb–xFe alloys were not only biocompatible, but also supported cell attachment.