Research Proposal: Titanium Alloys for Biomedical Applications

This research proposal investigates the application of titanium alloys in biomedicine, focusing on enhancing their properties through surface modification techniques. The study explores the use of powder metallurgy to create new titanium surfaces with improved biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance. The proposal outlines the background, problem statement, objectives, research questions, and justification for the study. It includes a literature review covering the advantages and disadvantages of titanium alloys in biomedicine, along with a detailed methodology encompassing material characterization, surface finishing, and various testing procedures. The research aims to design and develop new modified titanium surfaces using niobium and molybdenum diffusion treatments, ultimately improving their functional properties and biomedical compatibility. The proposal also addresses safety, ethical considerations, and provides a budget for the proposed research.

Research Proposal 1
Titanium Alloys for Biomedical Applications Using Powder Metallurgy
Name
Course
Date

Research Proposal 2
Abstract
This is a research proposal which gives out the procedure to be followed in carrying out a
study in the titanium alloys and their application in biomedicine. These alloys have been found to
be effective in the biomedical field due to the unique characteristics they have. For instance, they
have high resistance to corrosion and also have high ductility. However, despite the many
advantages these titanium alloys have, there are also some setbacks. Therefore, this research has
focused on the formulation of a new surface modification model of the biomedical materials
made by titanic alloys to ensure that some of those challenges like the possibility of corrosion
among others are solved.

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Table of contents
Abstract.......................................................................................................................................................2
Table of contents.........................................................................................................................................3
1. INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................5
1.1 Background of the Study.......................................................................................................................5
1.2 Statement of the Problem.......................................................................................................................6
1.3 Research objectives...............................................................................................................................7
1.4 Research questions................................................................................................................................8
1.5 Justification of the Study.......................................................................................................................8
2. LITERATURE REVIEW......................................................................................................................11
2.1. Introduction........................................................................................................................................11
2.2 Surface Modification of Materials.......................................................................................................14
2.3 Surface treatment to improve the titanium properties..........................................................................15
2.4 Corrosion Improvement.......................................................................................................................16
2.5. Biocompatibility Improvement...........................................................................................................16
2.6 Titanium alloys Use on biomedicine based on current World data......................................................17
2.7 Advantages of using Titanium alloys in Biomedicine.........................................................................20
a) Inert Nature...........................................................................................................................................20
b) Osseointegrates.....................................................................................................................................21
c) Strong but with lightweight...................................................................................................................21
d) Flexibility..............................................................................................................................................22
e) Easy working with.................................................................................................................................22
f) Cost........................................................................................................................................................22
2.8 Disadvantages of using Titanium alloys in biomedicine......................................................................23
a) Irreplaceability......................................................................................................................................23
2.9 Team charter........................................................................................................................................24
3. METHODOLOGY................................................................................................................................26
3.1 The starting Materials..........................................................................................................................26
3.2 Material Characterization....................................................................................................................27

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3.2.1 The surface Finishing process...........................................................................................................27
3.3 The density test....................................................................................................................................27
3.4 Roughness...........................................................................................................................................28
3.5 Wettability...........................................................................................................................................29
3.6 The analytical Perspective of the experiments.....................................................................................29
3.7 The Budget..........................................................................................................................................30
3.8 Evaluation of safety and Risks.............................................................................................................31
3.9 Ethical Considerations.........................................................................................................................31
4. CONCLUSION.....................................................................................................................................31
References.................................................................................................................................................33
Appendix...................................................................................................................................................39

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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
The selection metals and metal alloys which are used in the biomedical applications are
based on different factors. For instance, the basic characteristics of those metals are one of the
essential factors evaluated during the selection of those metals and metal alloys. To make a metal
or metal alloy effective for use in the biomedical field it should possess the following
characteristics. It should be nontoxic, non-carcinogenic, and should have high corrosion
resistance. Based on these characteristics scholars have not been able to come in common
agreement of which are the best metal or metal alloys to be used for biomedical applications.
The specific selection of those metal alloys for use in the biomedical field is based on the
unique characteristics possessed by the body fluids. For instance, most of the body fluids are
thought to contain high amounts of chloride ions and significant amino acids which make them
have the corrosive phenomena [1], [30]. Also, the fluids can initiate different oxide-reduction
reactions depending on the type of metal alloy used. These oxide-reduction reactions can lead to
ion release in the body. As a result, the patient can experience adverse negative health impacts
like allergies and carcinoma. Therefore, health experts put a lot of emphasizes in the selection of
the metal alloys which ought to be used in the biomedical field.
Titanium alloys have been one of the most preferable to be used in the biomedical field.
Their preference is based on different factors. For instance, through experimental tests, it has
been found that these alloys have a high strength to density ratio [2]. They also have high

Research Proposal 6
resistance to corrosion and possess unique fracture-related properties. The presence of inert-
oxide layer in most of the alloys of titanium makes them biocompatible thus making them be the
widely preferred compatible metals for the human body. Also, the titanium alloys chemical
compositions make it easy to determine the best biomedical field where they can be applied.
While some have low tensile strength, they possess high corrosion resistance due to the chemical
compositions.
Despite the wide applications and the benefits which the titanium alloys have brought in
the biomedical field, there are also some challenges which come with it. For instance, research
has found that most of the alloys react differently when used based on age. While this is a topic
for discussion since different scholars have diverse ideas on it, it is prudent that medics and other
experts carry out extensive research on the same. This would help in the analysis of where and
when a specific alloy ought to be used for a specific reason.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The use of the titanium alloys in biomedicine is commendable. However, based on the
aging population there is a high demand for research in specific fields. For instance, scholars
propose that extensive research should be done biomaterials made of titanium alloys and which
are used in the treatment of knees, hips, and shoulders especially for the people aged forty years
and above [3]. Even though these alloys have low density, high strength, significant corrosion
resistance, and have good biocompatibility, it has been noted with concern that their use in the
treatment of knees, hips, and shoulders for the aged people may have negative impacts.
However, their applications are still in demand due to the quick response on specific health
issues in comparison to other alloys like steel. This poses a contradiction as to whether their

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application should be based on the quick response or on their effectiveness in the treatment of
specific health complications.
Also, there are other setbacks which are experienced in the use of this type of alloys. For
instance, the frequent release of some ions though in small quantities which affect the biomedical
fluids with possible cytotoxic effects [3], [4], [31], [32]. The harmful effects come from some aspects
which ought to be enhanced. For example, the poor wear and tribological properties, and the
employment of toxic elements in the composition of titanium alloy. Therefore, the research focus
is to improve these concerning properties of titanium alloys. This would lead to more effective
use in the field of biomedicine. There will also be reduced morbidity and mortality when the
advancement will be made.
1.3 Research objectives
The main objective of this study is the designing and development of new modified
titanium surfaces. This new design and development will be achieved through the niobium and
molybdenum diffusion treatments. The research aims at accomplishing the proposed
development for biomedical applications with the main aim of obtaining new titanium surfaces
with more unique characteristics as compared to existing ones. Those unique characteristics
include; increased biocompatibility, lower young modules or wear resistance, and still maintain
the high corrosion resistance. The following are the secondary objectives of the research.
 Design different formulations of surface modification of titanium on different diffusion
treatments.
 Extensive investigation of a reproducible method of deposition based on the aqueous
suspensions and diffusion treatments.

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 To evaluate the unique characteristics of the developed and modified titanium surfaces to
know their functional properties.
 To evaluate the biomedical compatibility of the new titanium surfaces and the best
combination properties.
1.4 Research questions
1. Are the new titanium surfaces with more unique characteristics better than the existing
ones?
2. Can different formulations of surface modification of titanium be effective?
3. Which reproducible method of deposition can be effective?
4. Can knowledge of functional properties of the developed and modified titanium surfaces
be helpful?
5. Can biomedical compatibility of the new titanium surfaces be effective?
1.5 Justification of the Study
Despite having few challenges, titanium alloys have been termed as some of the best in
biomedicine. This is because of their excellent mechanical, physical, and biological performance
[3], [4]. Scholars have argued that these alloys hold the future of biomedicine. However, despite the
high recommendations for opportunities, the challenges which come with the alloys remain
unsolved. For instance, their little release of ions which may interact with the biological fluids
remains a field for research on how to eliminate such instances. After this study, the researcher
findings and the newly developed surfaces for the titanium alloys will solve some of the
experienced challenges. The study will also form the base for further research in solving the

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challenges which come with the titanium alloys; that is the challenges which will have not been
solved by this research.

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1.6 Scope of the study
Since this is an experimental study, it will be conducted within the school premises. This
is because the researcher will use the biological laboratories in the school to study different
behavioral patterns which will be used as the basis for the development of the new titanium
alloys surfaces. The research will only include the concerned researchers and the tutor as the
facilitator. This involvement will make sure that all the analysis has been done correctly so that
scientific reliable results can be produced.

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2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. Introduction
Titanium alloys are commercially significant in many industries. Majorly these alloys are
used in the engineering and the aerospace industries. Based on history, the application of the
alloys in biomedicine was not immense in the past but in the recent years, it has become of the
main industry where these titanium alloys are used [5], [33], [35]. For instance, commercially pure
(cp) α-titanium is used in the biomedical industry as an orthodontic or orthopedic implant
material due to its good biocompatibility. The high resistance to corrosion and low cytotoxicity
are other characteristics which make this alloy to be used in biomedicine.
The utility and the broad mechanical and physical properties of the titanium alloys are
due to its allotropy in the sold state. It has two crystallographic allotropes. Controlled alloying
and thermo-mechanical processing can create titanium alloy variations based on the allotropy
thus providing different compositions which allow the modifications of the mechanical and the
physical properties [5], [6], [34]. This unique characteristic of the alloys makes it easy to modify them
to fit for a specific application in different industries. As a result, many experts in different
industries prefer these alloys despite being expensive. The preference is due to the unique
characteristics they possess.
One of the unique characteristics of the titanium alloys which makes them ideal for
application in biomedicine is the high strength. Due to phase stability, most of the alloys have
high strength which makes them withstand high temperatures of more than 6000c [5]. The
withstanding of these high temperatures makes them preferable to be used in the making of many
biomedical tools especially those which are subjected to high temperatures. Many scholars

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recommend the use of this alloys based on this unique characteristic since they believe that it is
ideal in preventing some errors which occur in the biomedical field due to use of materials made
with poor metals.
In the biomedical field, there are many unique alloys of titanium which are preferred due
to various reasons. For instance, α-type titanium alloy is among the main preferred in
biomedicine. This is majorly the pure (CP Ti) form has some alloys as well [6]. This type of alloy
is characterized by hexagonal close packing of the (HCP) unit cell. Due to this close packing, the
alloys are characterized by good strength, toughness, and weldability. The common alloying
elements are aluminum and tin.
The other common α-phase stabilizers are oxygen and nitrogen. The combination of these
two makes the alloy inert in nature. However, they are characterized by weak formability which
makes them suitable for application in instances which do not need hard alloys but which are
vulnerable to corrosion [6], [7]. Therefore, the α-type titanium alloy is mostly preferred due to its
strength and inert nature. The selection of alloy to be used depends on the alloying elements.
Generally, the alloying elements for this type of titanium alloys are tin, aluminum, oxygen, and
nitrogen. Based on the specific alloying element, the application of the alloy in the biomedical
field can be determined.
The other type of the titanium alloy mostly used in the biomedical field is the (α + β)
type. This class of alloys is characterized by high ductility and due to the vanadium stabilization;
they have high strength [6]. The high ductility makes this type of titanium alloys have high
elongation characteristics. At elevated temperatures, the alloys can undergo elongation of 75% to