Biomedical Ti–Nb–O alloy with high strength and ultra-low Young’s modulus

In this study, a novel (α+β) dual-phase Ti–19Nb–0.6O was developed and processed via additive manufacturing, featuring ultra-low Young’s modulus of 42 GPa approximating that of human bone, coupled with high strength (919 MPa), and 15% elongation. By utilizing post-heat treatment to adjust the distribution and content of the precipitated α phase, the elemental distribution of Nb and O between α and β phase was effectively manipulated, meanwhile, the β matrix stability was regulated, enabling the attainment of lower modulus and higher strength. These findings advance the development of biomedical titanium alloys produced using additive manufacturing, characterized by excellent mechanical performance.

本研究开发了一种新型(α+β)双相Ti-19Nb-0.6O钛合金，通过增材制造（additive manufacturing）工艺制备，其拥有42 GPa的超低杨氏模量，与人体骨骼的模量近似，同时兼具919 MPa的高强度与15%的断后伸长率。通过后热处理（post-heat treatment）调控析出α相的分布与含量，可有效调控α相与β相间铌与氧的元素分布，同时调节β基体的稳定性，进而实现更低的杨氏模量与更高的强度。上述研究成果推动了具备优异力学性能的增材制造医用钛合金的研发进程。