Microstructure and Hardness of Ti-X%Cu(X=2,5,10) Alloys for Dental Castings

치과주조용 Ti-X%Cu(X=2,5,10)합금의 미세조직 및 경도

This study evaluated the mechanical properties of Ti-Cu alloys with the hope of developing an alloy for dental casting with better mechanical properties than unalloyed titanium. Ti-Cu alloys with four concentrations of Cu(2,5,10wt%) were made in an argon-arc melting furnace. The microstructure and micro-Vickers hardness were determined. X-ray diffraction pattern test was performed on the polished specimens. The microstructure of 2%Cu and 5%Cu alloys are shown acicular ${\alpha}Ti$ phase formed on the surfaces of previously formed $\beta$grains. The 10%Cu alloys has essentially a eutectoid structure; this structure includes lamella of ${\alpha}Ti$ and $Ti_2Cu$ phase that transformed from ${\alpha}Ti$ at the eutectoid temperature. The micro-Vickers hardness of CP Ti specimens was significantly(p<0.05) lower than that of any of the other alloys. Among the Ti-Cu alloys, the 10%Cu alloys exhibited a significantly(p<0.05) higher hardness value. but lower than that of Ti-6%Al-4%V alloy. From these results, it was concluded that new alloys for dental castings should be designed as Ti-Cu based alloys if other properties necessary for dental castings were obtained.