Development of Low-Elastic-Modulus β-Phase Titanium Alloys and Biodegradable Magnesium-Based Alloys and Composites through Advanced Manufacturing and Surface Engineering for Biomedical Applications Ref.No.SSTCRC2688
1. Introduction
Metallic biomaterials, particularly titanium- and magnesium-based alloys, have attracted significant research interest for next-generation orthopedic, dental, and load-bearing biomedical implants. However, conventional titanium alloys exhibit relatively high elastic moduli compared with natural bone, potentially causing stress shielding and subsequent bone resorption. Similarly, magnesium-based biodegradable implants face challenges associated with rapid corrosion, uncontrolled degradation, hydrogen evolution, and inadequate long-term mechanical stability.
Our research focuses on developing advanced low-elastic-modulus β-phase titanium alloys and biodegradable magnesium-based alloys and composites with improved mechanical compatibility, corrosion resistance, surface integrity, biocompatibility, and biological functionality.
Novel fabrication technologies, including microwave sintering, spark plasma sintering, powder metallurgy, and additive manufacturing, have been investigated to achieve tailored microstructures and improved material performance.
Advanced post-processing and surface modification techniques, including friction stir processing, micromachining, nanofinishing, coating, cladding, and other surface engineering approaches, are being explored to improve implant performance and compatibility with the surrounding host tissues.
Although several studies have investigated titanium and magnesium biomaterials individually, opportunities remain for integrating alloy design, advanced manufacturing, multifunctional surface engineering, and biological evaluation within a unified research framework.
2. Research Progress
Research activities have been undertaken in alloy development, novel fabrication methods, microstructural characterization, mechanical testing, surface modification, and processing optimization.
Major activities include:
- Development and processing of low-elastic-modulus β-phase titanium alloys.
- Investigation of magnesium-based alloys and composites for biodegradable biomedical applications.
- Exploration of microwave sintering, spark plasma sintering, and additive manufacturing.
- Application of friction stir processing, microprocessing, coating, cladding, and precision surface finishing.
- Evaluation of microstructure–processing–property relationships.
Further collaborative work is proposed in advanced characterization, fatigue and corrosion testing, in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility assessment, computational materials design, and translational validation.
3. Required Cooperation
-Joint development of novel titanium and magnesium alloy compositions.
-Access to advanced manufacturing and materials characterization facilities.
-Biological testing, cytotoxicity assessment, osseointegration studies, and implant validation.
-Computational modeling, machine learning, and AI-assisted alloy optimization.
-Joint research funding through national and international funding agencies.
-Collaborative publications, patents, and technology commercialization.
4. Benefits
The proposed collaboration is expected to support the development of next-generation metallic biomaterials with improved mechanical compatibility, controlled biodegradation, enhanced surface functionality, and better potential for biomedical integration.
The research may contribute to improved orthopedic and dental implant technologies, reduced implant-related complications, and the development of cost-effective, patient-specific biomedical devices.
5. Outputs
-5–8 high-quality research publications in reputed SCI/SCIE-indexed journals.
-2–3 joint patent applications, subject to novelty and experimental validation.
-Development of 2–3 advanced biomaterial compositions or processing technologies.
-Joint research proposals for international funding.
-Exchange of researchers, doctoral scholars, and technical expertise.
-Potential technology transfer and industrial collaborations.