Fatigue Strength of Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta

Abstract

Mean stress on fatigue strength of Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta, used in the manufacture of orthopedic prostheses, was evaluates. Samples of Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta were pressureless, sintered and tested using microhardness (Vickers) and four point bending fatigue conditions. Characterization was carried out using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, EDS analysis, oxygen analysis and density. The microstructural analysis shows low densification after sintering (almost 86% of theoretical) and some precipitates of α phase and presumably ω phase at the grain and grain boundaries. The bending fatigue resistance limit reached (Se (106) = 90 MPa), due to, presumably, the influence of the medium-high porosity, α phase precipitates at grain boundaries as well as the high oxygen content in the material after sintering (0.96 %). In this case, Kwofie model best explains the influence of mean stress on fatigue strength of this alloy.