INVESTIGATION OF ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURED TI-6AL-4V AND TI-6AL-4V-TA ALLOYS LATTICE FOR LOAD-BEARING IMPLANT APPLICATION

Abstract

Bone implants have been a critical solution for addressing bone defects and disorders, with recent advancements in Additive Manufacturing (AM) allowing for creating customized implants using materials like Titanium and its alloys. This study focuses on lattice structures manufactured through Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology, exploring the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of Titanium alloys, specifically Ti–6Al–4V and Ti–6Al–4V–Ta, for potential use in load-bearing applications. The lattice structures aim to mimic natural bone architecture, offering improved strength-to-weight ratios and promoting osseointegration. A comparison between Ti–6Al–4V and Ti–6Al–4V-Ta results is conducted, covering mechanical analysis, powder characterization, electrochemical corrosion, and biomedical compatibility. The literature review highlights the increasing interest in Ti-Ta alloys, especially in lattice structures, with a scarcity of research in this area. The methodology encompasses powder characterization, lattice structure design, SLM process parameters, post-processing, and detailed characterization techniques. The mechanical analysis involves compression, tensile testing, and hardness measurements. Morphological analysis and crack investigation contribute to a comprehensive understanding of lattice structures. An electrochemical corrosion test checks corrosion resistance, which is essential for medical implant applications. Biomedical compatibility is assessed through measurements for bacterial adhesion on SLM-printed surfaces. The research aims to bridge the gap in understanding Ti–6Al–4V–Ta alloys manufactured with SLM, providing insights into their mechanical properties and potential applications in load-bearing implants. The outcomes of this study contribute to advancing the field of additive manufacturing for biomedical applications, offering valuable data for the development of safer and more effective bone implants.