Potential of TiZrNbMoTa high-entropy alloy for bone implant applications

A new Ti 35 Zr 15 Nb 25 Mo 15 Ta 10 bio-high-entropy alloy was developed‏ utilizing thermodynamic parameters and calculations and investigated as a potential bio-implant material. The mechanical properties, wear resistance, and biocompatibility of the material were studied in detail, and the results were compared with those of conventional 316 stainless steel. It was found that the Ti 35 Zr 15 Nb 25 Mo 15 Ta 10 exhibited a dendritic structure with two body-centered-cubic solid solution phases. Microhardness and ultrasonic analyses revealed that the material exhibits a high hardness of approximately 590 HV and a Young's modulus of approximately 124 GPa. The results showed that this new alloy exhibits improved mechanical properties and biocompatibility compared to conventional 316L stainless steel, which is commonly used as a bone implant material. The hardness and Young's modulus of the austenitic stainless steel were measured to be about 205 HV and 195 GPa, respectively. This emerging alloy, despite having high hardness, exhibits a lower Young's modulus, which is particularly useful for minimizing the stress-shielding effect in bone implant applications. However, the wear resistance of the studied bio-entropic alloy is slightly lower than that of 316L stainless steel. This investigation suggested that the Ti35Zr15Nb25Mo15Ta10 alloy could be a suitable replacement for 316L due to its biologically safe elements and remarkable mechanical properties, as well as its biocompatibility, making it a promising material for future high-performance bioimplants. • A novel high-entropy alloy was designed and synthesized for biomedical applications. • Its biocompatibility and mechanical properties were investigated. • Its properties were compared to the conventional 316L Stainless Steel. • The high-entropy alloy exhibited excellent biocompatibility and mechanical behavior. • The synthesized high-entropy alloy is a good alternative of 316L Stainless Steel.