Effect of Solution Treatment on Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Ti-6Al-7Nb Alloy in Biomedical Applications

Ti-6Al-7Nb is commonly used as orthopedic implant, especially for total hip arthroplasty application, due to its excellency in biocompatibility and surface feature. This study investigates the effects of varying solution treatment temperatures on the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the biomedical Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy fabricated using centrifugal investment casting. Solution treatment was performed at 850°C, 970°C, and 1050°C, and the results were evaluated through tensile tests, hardness measurements, microstructural observations, and potentiodynamic polarization tests. The treatment at 970°C produced the optimal combination of mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, achieving a tensile strength of 690 MPa and the lowest corrosion rate of 0.00826 mmpy. The superior performance at 970°C is attributed to the formation of fine α precipitates in the microstructure. These findings highlight the effectiveness of suitable solution treatment temperature in enhancing Ti-6Al-7Nb’s properties for potential use in biomedical applications.