β-type Ti-10Mo-1.25Si-xZr biomaterials for applications in hard tissue replacements

In order to develop new β-type Ti-based biochemical materials, a series of Ti-10Mo-1.25Si-xZr (x = 4–13) alloys were designed and prepared using vacuum arc melting method. Phase analysis and microstructural observation showed that all the as cast samples consisted of equiaxed β-Ti phase. With the increase of Zr content, the structure of grain boundary changed from semi-continuous network to denser granular, and the microstructure was refined. The solid solution effect of the β-phase stabilization elements (i.e. Mo, Zr and Si) predominantly determined the mechanical properties. These β-type Ti-10Mo-1.25Si-xZr biomaterials exhibited a good combination of high compressive strength, high yield stress, good plasticity, as well as rather low Young's modulus (in the range of 23.086 GPa–32.623 GPa), which may offer potential advantages in the applications in hard tissue replacements (HTRs).

► The β-type Ti-10Mo-1.25Si-xZr (x = 4–13) alloys consist of equiaxed β-Ti phase.
► Zr element affects the microstructure and refines the grain.
► Solid solution effect of the β-phase stabilization elements predominantly determined the mechanical properties.
► These β-type Ti alloys exhibit a good combination of mechanical properties required by hard tissue replacements.