Insights into laser powder bed fused β-type titanium alloy: Investigating corrosion behavior and wear properties after post-heat treatment

The systematic evaluation of corrosion resistance and wear behavior represents a critical imperative for advancing biomedical titanium alloys in implant applications. This study systematically examines the corrosion-wear characteristics of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF)-fabricated β-type Ti-34.5Nb-6.9Zr-4.9Ta-1.4Si (TNZTS) alloy after post heat treatment, comparing with LPBF-processed Ti–35Nb–7Zr–5Ta (TNZT) and Ti–6Al–4V counterparts. Electrochemical analysis reveals the TNZTS system's good corrosion resistance, stemming primarily from stabilized passivation film formation. The incorporation of Si did not significantly affect the corrosion performance of TNZT alloy. In addition, the TNZTS alloy with hard S2 phase showes improvement in wear resistance, as manifested by shallower and narrower wear tracks and a lower specific wear rate. This study provides foundational insights into the novel β-type Ti–Nb–Zr–Ta–Si alloy with excellent corrosion resistance and wear properties, positioning it as a promising candidate for load-bearing orthopedic implant applications.