Nb2O5-based anti-corrosion coatings on WE43 magnesium alloy: Corrosion, microwear/tribocorrosion, and biological studies

• Grant number: 24/02504-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Jéferson Aparecido Moreto
• Grantee: Jéferson Aparecido Moreto
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Abner de Siervo ; Carlos Alberto Fortulan ; Carlos Antonio Reis Pereira Baptista ; Guilherme Yuuki Koga ; Haroldo Cavalcanti Pinto ; Idalina Vieira Aoki ; Kahl Dick Zilnyk ; Marcelo Leite Ribeiro ; Renata Fonseca Vianna Lopez ; Rogério Valentim Gelamo

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg)- based alloys have emerged as promising alternatives for bone implants due to their biodegradable nature upon contact with physiological fluids and enhanced mechanical compatibility with bone tissues, rendering them ideal for replacing currently used permanent metallic implants in fracture repairs and tissue healing. However, the rapid corrosion rate and challenging control of these alloys have been identified as the primary impediment to the use of this biomaterial. This work aims to propose a novel applied research approach for developing Nb2O5 thin films on the WE43 Magnesium alloy surfaces, offering significant prospects for utilization in the biomedical field by enabling the planning, control, and localization of degradation rates in implants. The functionalized systems will be structurally and morphologically characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy (RS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Contact angle measurements will be carried out to assess the hydrophobicity of the deposited structures. Global electrochemical tests (open circuit potential, potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) will be performed on coated and uncoated samples at 37 ± 1 °C in Hank's solution. Localised electrochemical tests (vibrating electrode technique and selective ion electrode technique) will be conducted in 0.05 mol L-1 NaCl solution Also included in the scope of this research project is the study of the effect of Nb2O5 thin films on abrasive micro-wear processes and tribocorrosion. Finally, cytotoxicity and biocompatibility tests (VERO-CCL-81 cell line) will be carried out, as well as analyses of inflammatory responses with human blood leukocyte cells. At the end of this research project, it is expected to contribute to the development, modification, and application of materials for solving various problems related to biosciences and materials science, producing technology applied in regional and national areas. Particularly, it aims to contribute to a better understanding of the localised and uniform corrosion phenomena of functionalized WE43 alloy and the influence of Nb2O5 coating on mechanical and biofunctional properties. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

FERREIRA, MURILO OLIVEIRA ALVES; WOLF, WITOR; GELAMO, ROGERIO VALENTIM; SLADE, NATALIA BUENO LEITE; GALO, RODRIGO; JASINEVICIUS, RENATO GOULART; FORTULAN, CARLOS ALBERTO; MORETO, JEFERSON APARECIDO. Advances in Enhancing the Wear Performance of Ti-6Al-4V Biomedical Alloy Through Nb₂O₅ Coating. MATERIALS, v. 18, n. 7, p. 20-pg., 2025-04-01. (24/02504-0)