Titanium-Tantalum Alloy Manufacturing for Biomedical and Engineering Applications
Closed Special Notice Posted
- Solicitation number
- BA-1063
- Agency
-
Department of Energy
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 621511 Medical Laboratories
- Place of performance
- Idaho Falls, Idaho 83415, United States
- Points of contact
-
- Andrew Rankin td@inl.gov
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Department of Energy has issued a Special Notice regarding an innovative electrochemical process for manufacturing titanium-tantalum alloys, focusing on advanced materials development for biomedical and engineering applications. The technology represents a groundbreaking approach to alloy production that addresses traditional manufacturing limitations through a direct electrochemical reduction method. Developed by Idaho National Laboratory's Technology Deployment department, the process enables the synthesis of titanium-tantalum alloys directly from metal oxides with significant efficiency and sustainability advantages. The Special Notice highlights a novel manufacturing technique that converts tantalum oxide into alloys using a "contact electrode" concept, which eliminates multiple processing steps and reduces material waste. The opportunity was posted on January 13, 2025, with a due date of January 13, 2026, and is not set aside for any specific type of contractor.
The primary objective of this Special Notice is to connect with industry partners interested in licensing and commercializing this innovative alloy manufacturing technology. Potential contractors can explore opportunities across multiple market applications, including biomedical devices, metal and structural materials, corrosion-resistant coatings, and additive manufacturing integration. Key advantages of the technology include cost efficiency, material versatility, sustainability, and scalability, with particular potential in producing biocompatible implants and high-performance engineering components. The technology is especially attractive for companies in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, defense, and medical device manufacturing. Eligible contractors would likely be entities with capabilities in materials science, manufacturing technologies, and commercial product development, particularly those interested in advanced alloy production methods. The Department of Energy is specifically seeking partners who can transform this laboratory-developed technology into marketable solutions, with a focus on technology transfer rather than direct procurement or service hiring.
Notice text
Titanium-Tantalum Alloy Manufacturing for Biomedical and Engineering Applications
An innovative electrochemical process delivering cost-effective, sustainable solutions for alloy coatings and bulk manufacturing directly from metal oxides.
The Challenge
Traditional methods for manufacturing titanium-tantalum alloys rely on energy-intensive melting or complex powder metallurgy (PM) processes. These approaches are time-consuming, expensive, and generate significant material waste, particularly from degraded components exposed to corrosive environments during production. As demand for advanced biomedical materials and high-performance alloys grows, the industry faces pressure to innovate cost-effective and sustainable manufacturing technologies.
How It Works
This groundbreaking process utilizes the “contact electrode” concept to synthesize titanium-tantalum alloys directly from tantalum oxide:
- Direct Electrochemical Reduction: Tantalum oxide is electrochemically reduced in molten calcium chloride, releasing oxygen ions to the electrolyte.
- In Situ Alloy Formation: The reduced tantalum reacts chemically with a titanium current collector to form the alloy during the reduction process.
- Versatility: The method is applicable to both alloy coatings and bulk alloys, supporting a wide range of manufacturing needs.
- Low-Waste Approach: Unlike traditional methods, the current collector is intentionally incorporated into the final alloy, eliminating waste and maximizing material use.
Key Advantages
- Cost Efficiency: Simplifies manufacturing by eliminating intermediate processing steps, reducing time and energy consumption.
- Material Versatility: Enables synthesis of advanced engineering alloys directly from oxide precursors.
- Sustainability: Converts degraded current collectors into valuable alloy materials, reducing industrial waste.
- Scalability: Offers potential integration with additive manufacturing (AM) techniques for near-net-shape production.
- Biomedical Potential: Titanium-tantalum alloys are ideal for applications such as implants, thanks to their biocompatibility and corrosion resistance.
Market Applications
- Biomedical Devices: Manufacturing biocompatible titanium-tantalum alloys for implants and prosthetics.
- Metal and Structural Materials: Producing high-performance alloys for aerospace, automotive, and defense applications.
- Corrosion-Resistant Coatings: Creating durable alloy coatings for industrial equipment.
- Additive Manufacturing Integration: Fabricating near-net-shape alloy components for advanced engineering applications.
INL’s Technology Deployment department focuses solely on licensing intellectual property and collaborating with industry partners who can commercialize our innovations.
We do not engage in purchasing, procurement, or hiring external services for technology development. Our objective is to connect with companies interested in licensing and bringing our technologies to market.
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