Work

High-cycle fatigue of metastable β Ti-12Mo-6Zr-2Fe alloy – effects of hydrogen absorption caused by surface modification

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Metastable β Ti-12Mo-6Zr-2Fe (TMZF) alloy offers a low elastic modulus for biomedical applications, yet its fatigue performance following surface bioactivation is a major concern. This study utilized the staircase method to evaluate the high-cycle fatigue response of untreated, chemical surface treated (CST), and anodized nanopore (Np) specimens. Untreated samples exhibited a fatigue resistance of 730 MPa (maximum stress). Conversely, CST and Np treatments caused a drastic reduction in fatigue resistance, exceeding 50%. Polishing CST samples only partially recovered this loss, maintaining a 25% decrease compared to untreated specimens. Fractographic evidence, characterized by Wallner lines and brittle fracture, pointed to hydrogen embrittlement. Mechanisms identified include, mainly, stress-induced TiH 2 hydride formation, which increases local dislocation density, alongside hydrogen-induced decohesion (HEDE). While CST and anodization is recognized to enhance osseointegration, they compromise structural reliability through hydrogen-induced degradation, highlighting hydrogen uptake during surface modification as a critical challenge for titanium alloys in hydrogen-rich environments.

Source: Journal of Materials Research and Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmrt.2026.08.283

Authors: Thiago Roberto Felisardo Cavalcante, Cesar Adolfo Escobar Claros, Leonardo Contri Campanelli, Guilherme Yuuki Koga, Claudemiro Bolfarini

Institutions: Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Universidade Federal de São Paulo

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