Bioactivity and tribological performance of a novel nano-biomaterial beta-type Ti-alloy

This study investigates the bioactivity; wear performance, and topography of a novel beta-type titanium-based alloy using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and 2D and 3D analysis. The tribological test was evaluated using a ball-on-disk tribometer in a wet environment. Different loads of 2, 6, and 10 N were applied during the evolution. The data results indicate a significant effect of the milling process on the formation of the hydroxyapatite layer on the surfaces of the Ti–Nb–Mo alloy. Both the wear volume and rate showed a consistent trend of decrease as the milling time increased from 2 to 12 h for all applied loads. The minimum values of wear and volume were reached after 12 h of milling. The improvement in tribological behavior can be attributed to the improved mechanical properties of the alloys. In addition, the significant presence of niobium (Nb) and molybdenum (Mo) plays a critical role in achieving high coefficient of friction values. The primary wear mechanism observed in the Ti–25Nb–25Mo system was adhesive wear in addition to abrasive wear. With its lower Young's modulus and favorable biological and tribological properties, the Ti–25Nb–25Mo alloy represents a promising option for bone tissue applications in orthopedics.