Mechanical properties of Ti–4.5Al–3V–2Mo–2Fe and possibility for healthcare applications

The mechanical properties of Ti–4.5Al–3V–2Mo–2Fe, a relatively low cost titanium alloy originally designed for structural applications (especially for aerospace applications), were investigated. The alloy was subjected to heat treatments with various solution treatment temperatures (annealing temperature) and cooling rates. The mechanical properties of the heat-treated alloys were then used in order to judge the prospects of practical usage of the alloy for healthcare equipment such as wheelchairs. The mechanical properties of Ti–4.5Al–3V–2Mo–2Fe are highly affected by either solution treatment or cooling rate, and they change as a result of the change in the microstructure. The alloy single annealed at temperature in the α + β field has very high fatigue ratio (0.80–0.85) and high specific strength (210–260 MPa/g cm − 3) with a modest fracture toughness ( J IC = 25–35 kN/m). This balance of fatigue ratio and specific strength is better than that of the existing wheelchair materials. Thus, from the point of view of mechanical properties, Ti–4.5Al–3V–2Mo–2Fe has high potential to be used for healthcare applications.