Advances in Enhancing the Wear Performance of Ti-6Al-4V Biomedical Alloy Through Nb₂O₅ Coating

Author(s)

Ferreira, Murilo Oliveira Alves ; Wolf, Witor ; Gelamo, Rogerio Valentim ; Slade, Natalia Bueno Leite ; Galo, Rodrigo ; Jasinevicius, Renato Goulart ; Fortulan, Carlos Alberto ; Moreto, Jeferson Aparecido

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MATERIALS; v. 18, n. 7, p. 20-pg., 2025-04-01.

Abstract

The Ti-6Al-4V alloy is widely used in orthopedic and dental implants due to its excellent mechanical, corrosion, and biological properties. However, it exhibits several limitations that can compromise its performance in clinical applications. Notably, the alloy suffers from a high coefficient of friction, which can lead to increased wear and reduced longevity of implants under relative movement conditions. Additionally, Ti-6Al-4V shows susceptibility to localized corrosion in physiological environments, particularly in the presence of bodily fluids that may result in the formation of pitting. These challenges underscore the need for surface modifications that can enhance the alloy's tribological performance, thereby improving its overall efficacy and durability as a biomaterial in medical settings. In this context, the manuscript presents applied and innovative research that assesses the impact of implementing nanostructured Nb2O5 coatings through the reactive sputtering technique on the wear performance of Ti-6Al-4V alloy under both air and artificial saliva (AS) solution conditions using a Pin-on-Disk apparatus. The nanostructured Nb2O5 coating demonstrated the ability to reduce the wear rate and volume by up to 88% without inducing any modifications to the Ra and Rt of Ti-6Al-4V, a feature that is desirable for applications in implantable devices. The reduction in wear can be attributed to the shift from adhesive wear mechanisms on uncoated surfaces to abrasive mechanisms on coated surfaces. This research highlights the strategic advantage of utilizing Brazil's abundant niobium resources to advance biomaterial technology and facilitate applications that benefit public health. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 24/02504-0 - Nb2O5-based anti-corrosion coatings on WE43 magnesium alloy: Corrosion, microwear/tribocorrosion, and biological studies
• Grantee: Jéferson Aparecido Moreto
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants