Changeable Young’s modulus with large elongation-to-failure in β-type titanium alloys for spinal fixation applications

  Materials used for implant rods in spinal fixation systems must show changeable Young’s moduli, high strength and large elongation-to-failure. A d-electron design method was used to determine the chemical composition of Ti–10Cr, which showed all these properties and significant work-hardening characteristics owing to multiple plastic deformation mechanisms, such as deformation-induced ω-phase transformation, {3 3 2}<1 1 3> mechanical twinning and dislocation gliding. Therefore, Ti–10Cr exhibits great potential for use in spinal fixation applications.