Biomedical Ti–Cu–Mn alloys with antibacterial capability

This study aims to develop Ti-Cu-Mn alloys with antibacterial capability for reducing the possibility of bacterial infection during biomedical implant surgeries. Ternary alloys were designed to be manufactured via powder metallurgy , which has intrinsic manufacturing, economic, and environmental benefits . T he amount of each of the alloying elements was limited to prevent the formation of brittle phases. It is found that the selected compositions of Cu (0.5-5 wt.%) plus Mn (0.25-2.5 Mn wt.%) can successfully be manufactured achieving: microstructures, tensile properties and antibacterial capability performance comparable to those of other biomedical Ti alloys. Specifically, homogeneous compositions are achieved with the selected sintering parameters (1300°C/120 min). The strength and hardness of the material increase proportionally with the addition rate of Cu and Mn, and antibacterial capability values were found to be above the 90% threshold required for antibacterial certification.