Improving the strength and surface properties of TNTZ alloy through a combination of high-pressure torsion and laser surface treatment.

Abstract

The Ti–29Nb–13Ta–4.6Zr alloy (TNTZ) is a β-Ti alloy that has a potential for use in biomedical applications as an alternative to the less-compatible Ti64 alloys. Enhancing the strength and the surface finish of TNTZ is essential for biomedical applications. In this research, a combination of high-pressure torsion (HPT) and laser treatment was used to improve the TNTZ properties. The HPT-treated samples showed significantly enhanced mechanical properties when compared with the traditional solution-treated TNTZ. A laser surface treatment immediately forms a hydrophilic surface that transforms into a steady hydrophobic state after 14 days in air and the surface roughness increases with an increase in laser power and a slower scanning rate. The corrosion resistance of TNTZ improves significantly after laser treatment, with the corrosion current dropping from 1×10-8 A to 1.2 ×10-9 A and the corrosion potential peak shifting to a more positive value from -0.349 V to -0.158 V. The friction coefficient after laser treatment decreased from 0.134 to 0.093 and then further reduced to 0.082 after 14 days in air thereby suggesting an enhancement in the tribological properties. Overall, the results show that HPT processing combined with a post-HPT laser treatment is beneficial for enhancing the mechanical properties and the corrosion and wear performance of the TNTZ alloy.