Tailoring microstructure and mechanical properties of an LPBF-processed beta Ti-Nb alloy through post-heat treatments

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • S. Pilz - , Institute of Materials Science, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • M. Bönisch - , KU Leuven (Author)
  • A. Datye - , Yale University (Author)
  • S. Zhang - , Yale University (Author)
  • F. Günther - , Chair of Mechanics of Materials and Failure Analysis, Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • S. Drescher - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • U. Kühn - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • U. D. Schwarz - , Yale University (Author)
  • M. Zimmermann - , Chair of Mechanics of Materials and Failure Analysis, Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • A. Gebert - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of a Ti‑42Nb alloy produced via laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) with varying post-heat treatment durations within the α + β phase range at 723 K. Synchrotron XRD analysis revealed the formation of the metastable orthorhombic αiso'' phase during heat treatment, acting as an intermediate to the stable α phase. With prolonged heat treatment, the αiso'' phase fraction increased, reaching approximately 25 % after 108.0 ks. SEM analysis identified β grain boundaries as primary sites for early αiso'' precipitation, while intragranular αiso'' precipitation was delayed. Up to 28.8 ks, volume fraction and size of intragranular precipitates exhibited notable variations due to minor Nb content fluctuations from LPBF processing, resulting in an increased spread of hardness and Young's modulus on the micro scale. Tensile tests revealed significant strength enhancement through post-heat treatment for 108 ks compared to the as-built state, achieving a yield strength of around 1060 MPa (50 % increase) and ultimate tensile strength of 1125 MPa (55 % increase). Extended growth of the αiso'' phase led to an increased Young's modulus, reaching 87 GPa after 108.0 ks. These findings provide valuable insights for developing post-heat treatment strategies for LPBF-produced Ti‑42Nb implants, including both bulk materials and lattice structures.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number112799
JournalMaterials and Design
Volume239
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Keywords

  • Heat treatment, Implant applications, LPBF, Titanium alloy