The investigation of mechanical and tribological properties of Ti13Nb13Zr/HA composites fabricated with FSP

Many modification methods are applied to produce Ti-based biomedical materials. In this study, the structural, mechanical and tribological properties of unreinforced Ti13Nb13Zr alloy and Ti13Nb13Zr/HA composites with different ratios of hydroxyapatite (HA) reinforcement were investigated by Friction Stirring Process (FSP) to Ti13Nb13Zr alloy. XRD, FTIR, SEM and EDS analyzes were performed to determine the structural properties. Surface roughness values were determined using a 3D optical microscope. Microhardness and wear test devices were used to determine the mechanical and tribological properties, respectively. Wear tests were carried out in dry environmentand phosphate buffered saline solution (PBS). The wear tracks were analyzed by SEM and 3D optical microscope. Surface wettability properties were investigated with a contact angle. The composites obtained as a result of the XRD analyzes were found to exhibit an amorphous structure. As a result of FTIR analysis, HA has PO4-3, HPO4-2, CO3-2 and OH- bonds. The hardness and wear properties of the Ti13Nb13Zr alloy were increased with SKP process. In addition, Ti13Nb13Zr/HA composites significantly increased the hardness and wear resistance of Ti13Nb13Zr alloy and modified Ti13Nb13Zr alloy by applying SKP. All samples exhibited hydrophilic surfaces suitable for cell adhesion.