Resumo:
The increase in the population's life expectancy has led to a significant development in the field
of biomaterials research, with a focus on enhancing the properties and applications of these
materials. In this context, biomedical prostheses have undergone substantial advancements,
playing a crucial role in improving patients' quality of life. Titanium alloys have emerged as
prominent materials utilized in prosthetics due to their exceptional properties, including high
resistance to corrosion, remarkable mechanical strength, and outstanding biocompatibility. The
incorporation of elements such as molybdenum and niobium is a subject of investigation as a
strategy to optimize the properties, enhancing their durability and performance in biomedical
applications. The objective of this study is to process, characterize the microstructure, and
evaluate the mechanical properties of hardness and compression of Ti-15Mo-xNb alloys (x=13,
16, and 19 wt.%) produced by arc melting, homogenization heat treatment, cold forging, and
solubilization heat treatment. The chemical characterization of the materials was obtained using
the energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) technique and specific mass measurements.
Structural analysis was performed by X-ray diffraction, while microstructural characterization
was performed by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties were
analyzed by compression test and Vickers microhardness test. The chemical composition results
by (EDS) indicated that the proposed stoichiometry was respected. The microstructural results
show a predominance of the β phase and dispersed precipitates of the α" phase in the Ti-15Mo-
13Nb alloy and only the β phase in the Ti-15Mo-16Nb and Ti-15Mo-19Nb alloys. As the
niobium content in the alloys increased, the hardness and mechanical property values increased.
The results of high hardness and low modulus of elasticity found in these alloys indicate
favorable wear resistance properties. The alloys showed significant potential for biomaterial
applications.
