In situ production of a high entropy composite reinforced with B4C for potential use as a biomaterial

• Grant number: 23/09532-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2023
• End date: December 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Physical Metallurgy
• Principal Investigator: Diego Rafael Nespeque Correa
• Grantee: Danilo Cervantes Mauricio
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In recent years, high entropy alloys (HEAs) composed of 5 or more elements have been developed. These materials have been recognized for their high mechanical strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance, attracting attention for biomedical use. However, the currently developed high entropy alloys need adequate mechanical, electrochemical, and biological properties for biomaterials. This makes the development of new HEAs for use, especially as biomaterials, a promising field. Metal matrix composites (MMCs), specially reinforced with ceramic material such as B4C, have stood out as an advanced material for high-performance applications in the aerospace and automotive industries, ensuring superior mechanical and corrosion resistance in aluminum, magnesium, and titanium alloy. This project aims to pioneer a new MMC, using argon arc melting, combining a high entropy alloy matrix produced with non-toxic and allergenic alloy elements with B4C reinforcement as an in situ additive. The chemical, structural and microstructural characteristics will be correlated with the mechanical and electrochemical properties to evaluate the potential use of this composite as a biomaterial.