Development of Low Rigidity β-type Titanium Alloy for Biomedical Applications

The low rigidity type titanium alloy, Ti–29Nb–13Ta–4.6Zr was designed, and then the practical level ingot of the alloy was successfully fabricated by Levicast method. The mechanical and biological compatibilities of the alloys were investigated in this study. The following results were obtained. The mechanical performance of tensile properties and fatigue strength of the alloy are equal to or greater than those of conventional biomedical Ti–6Al–4V ELI . Young’s modulus of the alloy is much lower than that of Ti–6Al–4V ELI, and increases with the precipitation of α phase or ω phase in the β matrix phase. The compatibility of the alloy with bone of the alloy is excellent. Low rigidity of the alloy is effective to enhance the healing of bone fracture and remodeling of bone. The bioactive coating layer of hydroxyapatite can be formed on the alloy.