Abstract
Among the commercially available titanium alloys, Ti6Al4V alloy is the most widely used in orthopedic applications. However, its high elastic modulus causes stress-shielding effect, while the vanadium and aluminium that dissociate from the parent material can cause long-term health problems, e.g., Alzheimer disease and neuropathy. As a result, metastable beta-type titanium alloys are being developed as alternative materials, because they offer low elastic moduli and good biocompatibility. The microstructure and mechanical properties of a Ti-11Mo-11Nb alloy was studied. Microstructures and phases were analyzed with X-ray diffraction, optical, and scanning electron microscopy. Tensile and microhardness tests were also done. The microstructure of the Ti-11Mo-11Nb alloy is predominantly beta phase, although the existence of secondary omega and martensite alpha '' phases cannot be entirely excluded. The reduced mechanical properties and brittleness in the alloy could be attributed to the coarse columnar beta phase. The lower elastic modulus obtained can reduce the stress-shielding effect during application.