title: The effect of Zr content on the microstructure, mechanical properties and cell attachment of Ti-35Nb-xZr alloys.
abstract: Beta-type low elastic modulus alloys of the Ti-Nb-Zr system have recently attracted much attention for both orthopedic and dental applications. In the present study, meta-stable beta alloys of Ti-35Nb-xZr with different Zr contents were developed. The effect of Zr content on the microstructure, mechanical properties and cell attachment was investigated. It was found that the addition of Zr improved the tensile strength and elongation of Ti-35Nb-xZr alloys, and simultaneously reduced the elastic modulus. Moreover, the Zr element helped to stabilize the beta phase. Cell culture work indicated that the addition of Zr enhanced the attachment and spreading of bone marrow stem cells. Cell attachment and spreading on the surface of titanium alloys were dominated not only by the wettability but also by the inherent biocompatibility of alloying elements. The peak-aged alloy with 5 wt% Zr had a highest tensile strength of 874 MPa, while its elastic modulus was only 65 GPa, presenting a much higher strength/modulus ratio than Ti-6Al-4V. The Ti-35Nb-5Zr alloy exhibited a great potential for orthopedic and dental applications.
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, People's Republic of China. cqning@mail.sic.ac.cn
authors.forename: Congqin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ning
authors.forename: Dongyan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ding
authors.forename: Kerong
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dai
authors.forename: Wanyin
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhai
authors.forename: Lei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000497:Alloys; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004285:Dogs; D055119:Elastic Modulus; D008422:Materials Testing; D013499:Surface Properties; D013718:Tensile Strength; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D000497:Alloys; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; C090153:titanium alloy (TiNb13Zr13); D014025:Titanium