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Cytotoxicity and influence of solution treatment on microstructure of a Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta alloy for use in orthopedics prosthesis

The trend of the current research in orthopedics prosthesis is based on the development of titanium alloys composed of non-toxic elements with low modulus of elasticity. The special interest in the Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta alloy use for biomaterial applications is due to the lower modulus of elasticity, good mechanical strength resistance and superior biocompatibility. The process of titanium alloys production by powder metallurgy (M/P) from the elemental powders is a feasible route, for allowing the manufacture of parts with complex geometry and near to the final dimensions. Samples of Ti35Nb-7Zr-5Ta alloy were sintered at 1500°C/2h, heat treated at 1100 º C in vacuum (10 - 7 Torr) for 3 hours, followed by air and furnace cooling. The biological evaluation was carried out by a cytotoxicity test using Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cultured cells in contact with diluted extract of three different sterile biomaterials: PEAD (negative control), CP-Ti, the alloy TNZT and phenol 0.2% (positive control). The extract preparation of the material involved in this investigation and the employed cell line were based on the International Standards Organization ISO 10993-5 (1992) guidelines. The results of the thermal treatments cycles of the TNZT alloy are coherent with literature and indicate a microstructural standard based on the presence of large beta grains with fine alpha precipitation in the grain boundaries and the interior of the grains. "In vitro" test indicated the non cytotoxicity of the Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta alloy, demonstrating that the route and materials used is very secure for surgical implants production.

Titanium; powder metallurgy; solution treatment


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