Mechanical and electrochemical characteristics of thermomechanically treated superelastic Ti – Nb – (Ta, Zr) alloys

Such parameters of superelasticity as elastic modulus, residual strain, phase yield point and mechanical hysteresis are determined by cyclic mechanical tests in a tension-unloading mode (2% maximum deformation, 10 cycles) for alloys of the Ti – Nb – Ta and Ti – Nb – Zr systems to be used as materials for medical implants. The testing is preceded by a thermomechanical treatment including multiple cold deformation and post-deformation annealing at various temperatures with water cooling. The stability of the parameters of superelasticity in subsequent aging at room temperature and repeated tests is studied. The annealing modes yielding an oxide film with maximum cohesion strength are determined.