Role of Ag addition on microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion behavior and biocompatibility of porous Ti-30 at%Ta shape memory alloys

Abstract

In the present study, the thermal, mechanical, and biological properties of xAg/Ti-30Ta (x=0, 0.41, 0.82 and 2.48 at%) shape memory alloys (SMAs) were investigated. The study was conducted using optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), compression test, and shape memory testing. The xAg/Ti-Ta was made using a powder metallurgy technique and microwave-sintering process. The results revealed that the addition of Ag has a significant effect on the pore size and shape, whereas the smallest pore size of 11 µm was found with the addition of 0.41 at% along with a relative density of 72%. The fracture stress and strain increased with the addition of Ag, reaching the minimum values around 0.41 at% Ag. Therefore, this composition showed the maximum stress and strain at fracture region. Moreover, 0.82 Ag/Ti-Ta shows more excellent corrosion resistance and biocompatibility than other percentages, obtaining almost the same behaviour of the pure Ti and Ti-6Al-4V alloys, which can be recommended for their promising and potential response for biomaterial applications.