Influence of cold deformation on martensite transformation and mechanical properties of Ti–Nb–Ta–Zr alloy

Ti–35Nb–2Ta–3Zr alloy was fabricated by vacuum consumable arc melting furnace and hot pressing. Microstructure and phase transformation of solution-treated (ST) and cold-rolled (CR) plates of Ti–Nb–Ta–Zr alloy were observed. Different microstructure of strain-induced martensite transformation during cold deformation were investigated. With the increase of reduction of cold rolling, microstructure of α″-phase changed from acicular martensite to butterfly shaped martensite and showed variant crossed and cross-hatched when the reduction of cold rolling was over 60%. Mechanical properties and SEM images of the fracture surface indicated that the alloy fabricated by cold deformation showed favorable strength and plasticity. Owing to the excellent cold workability and biomedical safety of elements of Nb, Ta and Zr, Ti–Nb–Ta–Zr alloy contributed much to medical applications.