Elastic strain and strength–elongation performance of medium-entropy Zr–Nb–Ti–O alloys for bone implants

作者：Zhaolin Hua, Dechuang Zhang, Lin Guo, Sihan Lin, Xiaokai Zhang, Yuncang Li, Cuié Wen · 发表于：Acta Biomaterialia · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1016/j.actbio.2025.04.029 · 被引用次数：8 · 研究领域：High Entropy Alloys Studies、Titanium Alloys Microstructure and Properties、Advanced materials and composites

Beta-type Zr–Nb–Ti (ZNT) medium-entropy alloys (MEAs) are receiving increasing research interest as orthopedic implants due to their appropriate mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. However, improvements in their elastic admissible strain, strength, and ductility are still required to ensure their high performance in clinical applications. In this study, a series of (ZrNbTi) 100–x O x ( x = 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5; denoted ZNTO 0 , ZNTO 0.5 , ZNTO 1.0, and ZNTO 1.5 ) MEAs were fabricated by arc melting followed by cold-rolling and annealing. Their microstructures, mechanical properties, wear and corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility were systematically studied. The addition of oxygen could simultaneously enhance strength and ductility owing to interstitial solid-solution strengthening and strain-hardening. ZNTO 0.5 , ZNTO 1.0 , and ZNTO 1.5 showed significantly improved elastic admissible strain and strength-elongation product compared to ZNTO 0 ; in particular, ZNTO 1.5 exhibited the best combination of mechanical properties with an admissible strain of ∼1.5 %, an ultimate strength of ∼1150 MPa, and an elongation of ∼22 %. The wear and corrosion resistance of the ZNTO x MEAs increased with increasing oxygen content. The ZNTO x MEAs showed better corrosion resistance than those of Ti–6Al–4V and Co–Cr–Mo alloys due to formation of surface passivation film composed of ZrO 2 , Nb 2 O 5 , and TiO 2 oxides. The ZNTO x MEAs also showed cell viability...