Effects of Nd content on the dynamic elastic modulus and mechanical properties of titanium-neodymium alloys

Abstract

The microstructures, dynamic elastic modulus, and mechanical properties of Ti-Nd alloys with Nd contents of 1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6 (mass%) were investigated in this study in order to assess whether Nd was an effective alloying element for decreasing the elastic modulus of a Ti alloy and simultaneously increasing its strength for its potential use in biomedical applications. The microstructures were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The dynamic elastic modulus was measured by the vibration resonance method and the mechanical properties were determined from uniaxial tensile tests. Experimental results indicate that all the Ti-Nd alloys exhibit hexagonal structures of both α Ti and α Nd. An increase in the Nd content decreases the elastic modulus of the Ti-Nd alloys by a small amount and gradually increases their strength. The residual stress caused by cold rolling has a slight effect on both the elastic modulus and the mechanical properties of the Ti-Nd alloys. From this investigation, it can be concluded that Nd is not an effective alloying element for decreasing the elastic modulus of Ti alloys and simultaneously increasing their strength for their potential use in biomedical applications. © 2009 The Japan Institute of Metal.