Work

Microstructural, mechanical and biocompatibility of Zr/Ti6Al4V alloy fabricated by selective laser melting

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Titanium alloys are extensively employed as biomaterials for orthopedic and dental implants owing to their intrinsic corrosion resistance, high specific strength, and biocompatibility. In this study, Zr/Ti–6Al–4V (TC4) alloys containing up to 4 wt% Zr were fabricated via selective laser melting (SLM). Microstructural analysis revealed that Zr additions refined the microstructure and acted as a β-phase stabilizer, thereby suppressing the formation of acicular α′ martensite. Consequently, the 4 wt% Zr/TC4 alloy exhibited enhanced mechanical performance, achieving an ultimate tensile strength of 1482 MPa and a Vickers hardness of 461 HV, corresponding to increases of 55 % and 25 %, respectively, relative to TC4. Electrochemical measurements in Hanks’ solution demonstrated a positive shift in corrosion potential to −0.504 V and a reduction in corrosion current density to 3.106 × 10 −7 A cm −2 , indicating improved corrosion resistance. In vitro assays using Saos-2 cells showed >200 % higher adhesion after 24 h on the 4 wt% Zr/TC4 surface compared with TC4, evidencing enhanced cytocompatibility. Collectively, modest Zr alloying improves strength, corrosion resistance, and cytocompatibility of SLM-fabricated TC4, highlighting its potential for next-generation load-bearing biomedical implants.

Source: Journal of Materials Research and Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmrt.2025.12.024

Authors: Xu Huang, Senqiang Chu, Shuaishuai Qin, Yiwei Lin, Weidong Huang, Huabin Liu

Institutions: Fujian University of Technology, Fujian College of Water Conservancy and Electric Power

Language: English

Topic: Titanium Alloys Microstructure and Properties

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,640