The phase composition and mechanical properties of the Ti–38Zr–13Nb alloy subjected to quenching and quenching followed by low-temperature annealing are studied. The alloy is found to consist of the stable β phase; after annealing, no ω- and α'-phases are detected. In this case, the microstructure is represented by elongated grains having no signs of recrystallization. Tensile tests show that the annealing does not reduce the plasticity, but increases the ultimate strength by ~18%. The superelasticity effect is not observed at strains up to 6%; this is related to the complete stabilization of the β phase. After annealing, the decrease in the Young’s modulus (by ≈26%) and nanohardness (by ≈8%) is found by instrumental indentation method. In this case, the Young’s modulus is lower than that of the VT1-0 and VT6 alloys. Samples fail via a viscoplastic mechanism; this is accompanied by the formation of a neck and dimpled relief. The results of this study confirm the potential of using the Ti–38Zr–13Nb alloy as a material for implants.
Sergienko et al. (Thu,) studied this question.