Ti-13Nb-13Zr

Ti-13Nb-13Zr is a near β alloy formulated at the beginning of the 1990s to be used in orthopedic applications due to its low Young’s MODULUS (40-80 GPa) and its non toxic composition. The main advantage of the Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy, compared to other titanium alloys, such as Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-7Nb, widely used as biomaterials, is its low elasticity modulus, closer to that of bone, and the absence of aluminum and vanadium, which have been reported to cause long-term adverse effects. It presents tensile values of approximately 1300 MPa and a superior corrosion resistance when compared to Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-7Nb.

Ti-13Nb-13Zr has niobium as a beta-phase stabilizer. The other alloying element, zirconium, is isomorphous with both the alpha and beta phases of titanium. A combination of these two alloying elements has made it possible to develop a structure that is a “near” beta phase supposedly possessing a superior corrosion resistance over the alpha-beta phase alloys, with enough alpha phase resent in the final structure to provide the necessary mechanical strength. It has been proposed that Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy is more favorable for orthopedic implants than Ti-6Al-4V alloy because of its superior corrosion resistance and biocompatibility.

Chemical composition of Ti-13Nb-13Zr (%, max.)

Mechanical properties of Ti-13Nb-13Zr

Available forms

● Ingot

● Forging

● Rod and bar

● Plate and sheet

● Wire

● Custom-made

Specifications

ASTM F1713

Typical applications

Surgical implants