Development of Bio-Compatible Beta Ti Alloy Powders for Additive Manufacturing for Application in Patient-Specific Orthopedic Implants

Abstract

The use and application of alloys as biomedical alloys have increased over the past few years owing to their excellent biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, high mechanical and fatigue resistance, low density, adequate wear resistance, and low elastic modulus. Orthopedic implant materials are exposed to high mechanical loading. Conventional materials based on Ti-6Al-4V, stainless steel or cobalt-chromium alloys demonstrate good mechanical strength, but also some toxicological concerns due to release of toxic elements which may result in inflammatory reactions. Metal alloys based on titanium, zirconium, tantalum and niobium represent higher biocompatibility with appropriate mechanical properties for avoiding stress-shielding and consecutive implant loosening. Application of specifically designed spherical β-titanium alloy powders in additive manufacturing, such as selective laser melting (SLM) or electron beam melting (EBM); enable the production of components with a high degree in freedom of design. Accordingly, SLM or EBM of Ti/Nb (/Ta) alloys offer the possibility to fabricate patient-specific orthopedic implants. The present paper describes development of β-titanium alloys powders designed for application in additive manufacturing technologies. TiNbZrTa (TNZT)-based 3D structures were successfully manufactured and mechanically tested.