Effect of heat treatment on microstructure, mechanical, antibacterial and corrosion properties of cast TC4-4.34Cu titanium alloy
摘要
The TC4-4.34Cu titanium alloy was prepared by water-cooled copper crucible vacuum suspension melting technology, followed by hot isostatic pressing at 920 °C under 130 MPa. Subsequently, heat treatments were conducted at 720 °C and 800 °C, respectively. The microstructures of the alloy were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer, and its mechanical properties, antibacterial performance, and corrosion resistance were evaluated. Results show that cast TC4-4.34Cu alloy matrix consists of α-phase, β-phase, and Ti2Cu phase. However, numerous porosity defects lead to a low plasticity of the alloy. Hot isostatic pressing effectively eliminates porosities and improves the densification of the alloy. Heat treatment at 720 °C promotes a more uniform and denser alloy matrix microstructure, yielding optimal mechanical properties, specifically, a tensile strength of 944 MPa and an elongation of 7%. In contrast, heat treatment at 800 °C causes the Ti2Cu phase to coarsen and increases the volume fraction and size of the β phase, resulting in a sharp decline in plasticity and brittle fracture. Antibacterial and corrosion resistance tests reveal that compared to TC4 alloy, the TC4-4.34Cu alloy exhibits excellent antibacterial properties due to the sustained release of Cu2+ ions, which effectively inhibits bacterial membrane growth in P.aeruginosa solution. The antibacterial rate of the TC4-4.34Cu alloy after heat treatment at 720 °C reaches 83%. Additionally, the improved impedance value of the TC4-4.34Cu alloy enhances its corrosion resistance.