Synergistic Improvements in Biocompatibility, Corrosion Resistance, and Mechanical Properties of High-Entropy Alloys through Nanostructure Engineering by High-Pressure Torsion

• Grant number: 25/22648-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree
• Start date: February 16, 2026
• End date: August 15, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Physical Metallurgy
• Principal Investigator: Ricardo Floriano
• Grantee: Jessica Trindade Teles
• Supervisor: Kaveh Edalati
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Aplicadas (FCA). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Limeira , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Kyushu University, Japan
• Associated to the scholarship: 24/13459-6 - Study of Corrosion Behavior and Biocompatibility of Multicomponent Alloys derived from Ti-Zr-Nb-Ta-Fe Hf1-xMox System for Biomaterial Applications, BP.MS

Abstract

Metallic materials for biomedical use are essential in several clinical applications, particularly in orthopedic and dental implants, due to their combination of high mechanical strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and adequate biological compatibility. This project, in collaboration with WPI-I²CNER, aims to conduct a systematic study of the corrosion and biocompatibility properties of multicomponent BIO-high-entropy alloys derived from the TiZrNbTaHf¿¿¿Mo¿ system, which shows a high tendency to form a body-centered cubic (BCC) structure. The focus of this study is to identify: i) Bio-HEAs with a high tendency to form the BCC phase; ii) Characterization of the selected alloys, including structure, mechanical properties, corrosion behavior, and biological performance; iii) Surface coating with TiO¿ nanotubes and reassessment of all the tests mentioned above. To guide the alloy design, the methodology will be based on semi-empirical parameters and thermodynamic calculations (CALPHAD method), using Thermo-Calc software. The selected alloys will include only non-toxic elements in their composition and have not yet been reported in the literature. They will be produced by arc melting, followed by characterization of their structural and microstructural properties using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), hardness tests, corrosion tests, and biocompatibility evaluation via the MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide). The alloys will also be processed through specific heat treatments and the high-pressure torsion (HPT) technique, aiming to achieve significant improvements in both mechanical properties and biocompatibility. In addition, the project intends to evaluate the selected HEAs after surface coating with TiO¿ nanotubes. By leveraging the state-of-the-art research facilities and the interdisciplinary collaborations available at WPI-I²CNER, the project seeks to generate significant academic contributions, including new insights into current and future trends in biomaterials research, while also providing opportunities for personal and professional development in an international environment. (AU)