Evaluation of wear, corrosion, and biocompatibility of a novel biomedical TiZr-based medium entropy alloy.

Zhu, Dandan; Li, Xiaoqiang; Chai, Shaoyu; Chee, Tien-Shee; Kim, Chaerin; Li, Liang; Liu, Dexue · J Mech Behav Biomed Mater · 2025

biomechanical · Level V

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Abstract

As a promising material for medical implants, the Ti<sub>40</sub>Zr<sub>40</sub>Nb<sub>5</sub>Ta<sub>12</sub>Sn<sub>3</sub> medium entropy alloy (MEA) shows potential for biomedical applications. This study investigates its wear and corrosion behavior in simulated biological environments, including artificial saliva (AS), simulated blood (SB), and simulated body fluid (SBF). Electrochemical tests revealed excellent corrosion resistance in AS solution, with a higher corrosion potential (-0.31420 V) and a lower corrosion current density (2.613 × 10⁻⁷ A·cm⁻<sup>2</sup>). Wear tests showed that friction coefficients ranked as μ<sub>AS</sub> > μ<sub>SBF</sub> > μ<sub>SB</sub>, while wear rates followed δ<sub>SBF</sub> > δ<sub>SB</sub> > δ<sub>AS</sub>, highlighting the impact of bio-lubricants composition on tribological behavior. In particular, the alloy exhibited a higher ion release rate in the SBF solution, with ion concentrations approximately 2.5 times greater than those in the AS solution. In contrast, the alloy in the AS solution maintained a more stable passivation film, thus reducing ion release and enhancing both wear and corrosion resistance of the alloy. The biocompatibility test further confirmed that it has good cell adhesion and proliferation ability. This study provides valuable insights into the synergistic effects of wear and corrosion on the alloy in simulated physiological environments.

Medical subject headings