Effects of microalloying on the microstructure, tribological and electrochemical properties of novel Ti-Mo based biomedical alloys in simulated physiological solution

Abstract

ABSTRACT The tribological characteristics of Ti alloys containing beta stabilisers such as Mo, Nb, Ta, Zr, and Sn have seldom been explored despite their applicability for metallic biomaterials requiring good wear and surface degradation resistance. Using sliding wear contact, the influence of these alloying components on Ti-Mo biomedical alloys in simulated physiological fluid was examined. Microalloying influences microstructure, hardness, and wear. Nb-microalloyed samples with metastable -phase increased anti-wear and frictional resistance while keeping frictional resistance. Orthorhombic α′′phase-rich samples were the least wear resistance. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the interaction between Ti-based biomaterials' micro-alloying and their tribological properties. The stabilised TiMo (Nb,Ta, Zr, or Sn) alloys outperformed CP-Ti, the original Ti92Mo8, and the regularly used biomedical Ti6Al-4V alloys in terms of corrosion resistance. This indicates that alloying tuning may be used to enhance biomedical prosthesis and increase the service life of bio-implants and components.