Microstructure, mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and antibacterial behavior of Ti–5Cu–x%Nb biomedical alloy

Titanium-based biomedical alloys are susceptible as they are used as a substitute for human bone. In this study, titanium alloy, Ti–5Cu–x%Nb (x = 0, 5, 10, 15) (%wt) was developed by powder metallurgy route. The effect of alloying niobium with Ti–5Cu alloy and its effect on the microstructure, mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and antibacterial properties have been evaluated. The results show that the sintered alloy has both α-Ti and Ti2Cu phases. With increasing niobium content in the alloy, β-Ti was also detected. Additionally, it was found that the micro-hardness and compressive strength of the studied alloy was better than commercially pure titanium (cpTi), while the Young’s modulus was lower than cpTi. These properties are highly favorable for using this alloy to replicate the human cortical bone. The alloy was also tested for anticorrosive property in Ringer’s solution. The antibacterial activity was also examined for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. The alloy showed promising anticorrosive and antibacterial ability.