Effect of Niobium on Ti-Sn Alloy for Implant Applications

Titanium (Ti) based alloys (e.g., Ti6Al4V) are extensively utilized in the field orthopedic and dental implant applications due to their enhanced bio-mechanical properties. Nevertheless, their resistance to corrosion requirements needs to be enhanced. Furthermore, existence of vanadium (V) and almunium (Al) elements causes cancer and alzymer respectively. Therefore, in this research Ti-Sn-Nb alloy was produced through the powder metallurgy (PM) route. Tin (Sn) and niobium (Nb) is chosen as an alloying element which replaces toxic Al and V elements. The effect Nb on the Ti-Sn-Nb alloy was studied. Three set of variations of Nb namely 5%, 7.5% & 10% were used for the improvement of properties of parent alloy. The particle dimensions of the parent alloy were analyzed through a laser particle analyzer (LPA). Morphology was studied through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and phases were determined through X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Vicker (450SVA) tester was utilized to examine the effect on rigidity after the addition of Nb. The hardness of the alloy was decreasing and corrosion rate was increasing with an increase in Nb content. Furthermore, niobium addition enhances the ability of appetite formation when immersed in the Stimulated body fluid (SBF).