Components with variable stiffness have been attracting interest because of their potential for use in biomedical implants. Here, a beta-titanium alloy aged under different conditions was subjected to laser surface melting (LSM). The high cooling rate typical of LSM avoided alpha-phase precipitation...

Components with variable stiffness have been attracting interest because of their potential for use in biomedical implants. Here, a beta-titanium alloy aged under different conditions was subjected to laser surface melting (LSM). The high cooling rate typical of LSM avoided alpha-phase precipitation in the fusion zone (FZ) and heat-affected zone (HAZ) as the alpha precipitates were solid-solutioned into the beta phase, producing a surface layer with full beta phase over the aged substrate and reduced stiffness and hardness. The decrease in stiffness occurred independently of the aging condition used while the decrease in hardness was greater for the sample aged at the lower temperature as this had finer precipitates. A route involving aging at this lower temperature and LSM is proposed for use when a graded material combining a less rigid surface with the original core stiffness and strength is required, as in orthopedic implants

FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP

2011/19982-2

COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPES

001

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