Influence of Oxygen Content on the Mechanical Properties of Titanium-35Niobium-7Zirconium-5Tantalum Beta Titanium Alloy
SourceTitanium-35Niobium-7Zirconium-5Tantalum beta titanium alloy (also known as TiOsteum® beta titanium alloy) is a new metallic biomaterial that was designed to have outstanding osseointegratabilty, good mechanical strength, improved ductility, very low elastic modulus, and good hot and cold workability [1]. In this study, mechanical property data are presented from several TiOsteum alloy production lots with ingot oxygen contents ranging from 0.05 to 0.68%. Additionally, mill annealed mechanical property data collected over the last 10 to 15 years for the more common alpha, alpha-beta, and beta titanium alloys are presented as a function of oxygen content and compared to TiOsteum alloy. The influence of oxygen as an interstitial strengthening element is well established in titanium alloys. This study examines this effect over a broad range of oxygen values, and has significance for the application of the new TiOsteum alloy and other beta titanium alloys being considered for use in medical and surgical devices.