Microstructure regulation of titanium-oxygen alloy with high strength and excellent ductility for biomedical applications

Oxygen solid solution reinforced Ti–O alloys with high strengths and good ductility were designed and synthesized via mechanical milling and spark plasma sintering (SPS) processes. The grain size and dispersion state of the Ti–O alloys were optimized by regulating the milling time of the composite powders. Outstanding properties were achieved by 4 h milling with a yield strength of 1082 MPa, 100% higher than that of commercially pure titanium (CP–Ti). According to the quantified results of the strengthening mechanism, fine grains are responsible for the balance of superior strength and ductility of the Ti–O alloy.