The Effects of Niobium on the Bioactivity of Ni-Ti-Al-Nb Shape Memory Alloys

This work aims to analyze the effects of niobium on the bioactivity of a titanium, nickel, aluminum, and niobium alloy obtained by the Plasma Skull Push Pull process (PSPP). Titanium alloys, such as NiTinol (NiTi), are metallic biomaterials that have wide application in health and surgical prostheses. In this work the microstructural and bioactivity characteristics of the alloys are evaluated. The addition of aluminum improves alloy ductility and reduces its cost. The addition of niobium favors the hydroxyapatite nucleation. Therefore, the addition of the combination of the two elements contributes to lower cost and better alloy bioactivity.

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1. The authors would like to acknowledge the Foundation for Research Support of the State of Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG), the Federal University of Itajubá (UNIFEI) - Itabira Campus, the Federal Center of Technological Education of Minas Gerais - CEFET-MG for the availability of laboratory technical resources and the Metals Group from UNIFEI, Itabira Campus.

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2. Opracowanie rekordu ze środków MNiSW, umowa Nr 461252 w ramach programu "Społeczna odpowiedzialność nauki" - moduł: Popularyzacja nauki i promocja sportu (2021).