Surface mechanical attrition treatment of low modulus Ti-Nb-Ta-O alloy for orthopedic applications

Acharya, S and Panicker, AG and Gopal, V and Dabas, SS and Manivasagam, G and Suwas, S and Chatterjee, K (2020) Surface mechanical attrition treatment of low modulus Ti-Nb-Ta-O alloy for orthopedic applications. In: Materials Science and Engineering C, 110 .

PDF mat_sci_eng_c_110_2020.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (4MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) is recognized as a surface severe plastic deformation (SPD) method that is effective in improving the surface-dependent mechanical and functional properties of conventional metallic biomaterials. In this study, we aimed to systemically investigate the effect of SMAT on the physical, electrochemical, tribological and biological performances of a newly developed low modulus β Ti-Nb-Ta-O alloy with two different microstructures, namely, single phase β-treated and dual phase β + α aged. The microhardness results showed considerable hardening for the β-treated condition due to formation of deformation substructures; that was associated with increased corrosion resistance resulting from a stronger and denser passive layer on the surface, as revealed by Tafel polarization, impedance studies and Mott-Scottky plots. The wear volume loss during fretting in serum solution was found to decrease by 46 while friction coefficient decreased only marginally, due to presence of a harder and more brittle surface. In the β + α condition of the alloy, minimal hardening was observed due to coarsening of the precipitates during SMAT. However, this also reduced the number of α-β interfaces, which in turn minimized the tendency for galvanic corrosion resulting in lower corrosion rate after SMAT. Wear resistance was enhanced after SMAT, with 32 decrease in wear volume loss and 21 decrease in friction coefficient resulted due to improved ductility on the surface. The attachment and growth of osteoblasts on the alloys in vitro were not affected by SMAT and was comparable to that on commercially pure Ti. Taken together, these results provide new insights into the effects of surface SPD of low modulus β- Ti alloys for orthopedic applications and underscore the importance of the initial microstructure in determining the performance of the alloy.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	Materials Science and Engineering C
Publisher:	Elsevier Ltd
Additional Information:	Copyright of this article belongs to Elsevier Ltd
Keywords:	Coarsening; Corrosion; Corrosion rate; Corrosion resistance; Elastic moduli; Fretting corrosion; Friction; Galvanic corrosion; Hardening; Niobium alloys; Surface treatment; Tantalum alloys; Wear of materials; Wear resistance, Deformation substructures; Fretting wear; Initial microstructures; Orthopedic applications; Orthopedic biomaterials; Severe plastic deformations; Surface engineering; Surface mechanical attrition treatments, Titanium alloys
Department/Centre:	Division of Mechanical Sciences > Materials Engineering (formerly Metallurgy)
Date Deposited:	02 Mar 2020 11:22
Last Modified:	02 Mar 2020 11:22
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/64634

Actions (login required)

View Item