Cool&SmarTit

Workplan 

1. Development of new types of Ti-Mo-Nb-Sn alloys with advanced biocompatibility and elasticity modulus similar to that of human bone. To achieve this objective, the following activities are planned: (i) Design of new types of alloys in Ti-Mo-Nb-Sn system (based on preliminary results of the research team – published articles, book chapters, books in progress) (P1), with establishing strict domain of variation for each component – resulting in different compositions of new alloys (P2, P3, P4); (ii) development of alloys using arc melting method, all samples will be produced in a protective atmosphere of argon with the same parameters and in the same form (P1); (iii) preparation of alloys sample for testing at laboratory scale (P2); (iii) preliminary characterization: microstructure analysis optics, scanning electron microscopes (P3, P4).
2. Improvements on biomaterials by heat treatments, will be done using a controlled-atmosphere melting furnace, following a personalized heat treatment program for these types of materials: a high-temperature quenching accomplished in three steps (650 °C- maintained for 25 min, 850 °C- maintained for 20 min, and 950 °C -maintained for 20 min) conducted in a vacuum in order to equalize the temperature between the middle and the core of the samples (P1).
3. Testing of new materials in order to patent them (material and technology for obtaining) in elaborated cast form and heat treated, achieved through collaboration P1, P2, P3 and P4, according to present infrastructure: (i) Chemical composition (SEM/EDX or ICP-OES – to obtain the data on the chemical composition of the obtained alloys; (ii) Structural characterization (Optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction XRD, SEM) – to obtain data on microstructure, phase composition, crystallographic orientation, texture, etc; (iii) Mechanical characterization (Hardness Tests, Indenting Tests) – highlights the mechanical properties of the elaborated alloys: hardness, elasticity etc.; (iv) Corrosion resistance: Linear and cyclic polarization – determines the stability of the proposed alloys in the human body fluids; (v) Surface characterization (Contact angle (θ)) – involves measuring the contact angle of the alloy surface to achieve / optimize cell adhesion and proliferation; (vi) Biocompatibility tests: is required to assess the in vitro events occurring during cells-materials co-incubation and/or interactions.
4. Communication, dissemination, and exploitation of results through: research papers in high ranked journals, publication of book chapters, participation at conferences and invention exhibitions, attracting the interest of implants manufacturing industry to medical devices based on the newly proposed alloy. Regarding the dissemination we have as target: (i) Publication of minimum 5 articles in high ranked journals related to project’s topic; (ii) a book chapter; (iii) a patent application; (v) Organization of a workshop on the theme: new biocompatible alloys from Ti-Mo-Nb-Sn system for implantable medical devices, inviting specialists in manufacturing titanium, implantologists surgeons, members of the Biomaterials Society from Romania and abroad etc.