Nickel, cobalt and titanium-based alloys – from aircraft vehicles to medical applications - REVIEW

Abstract

Since the introduction of nickel, cobalt and titanium-based alloys in the early 1950s, these materials in a relatively short time became backbone materials for the aerospace, energy, chemical industry and even medicine. The combination of excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and bio-compatibility renders these alloys the best material choice for many critical applications. This review describes the results realized through the research in the Department of Materials Science in “Vinča” Institute. The emphasize was given to the relation between the microstructure and mechanical properties of conventionally cast nickel and cobalt-based superalloys, as well as directionally solidified and single crystal castings of nickel-based superalloys. The special attention was paid to the development of vacuum melting and casting technology for processing surgical implants made of a titanium-based alloy.