Biocompatible high entropy alloys with excellent degradation resistance in a simulated physiological environment

Abstract

Bioimplants are susceptible to simultaneous wear and corrosion degradation in the aggressive physiological environment. High entropy alloys with equimolar proportion of constituent elements represent a unique alloy design strategy for developing bioimplants due to their attractive mechanical properties, superior wear, and corrosion resistance. In this study, the tribo-corrosion behavior of an equiatomic MoNbTaTiZr high entropy alloy consisting of all biocompatible elements was evaluated and compared with 304 stainless steel as a benchmark. The high entropy alloy showed a low wear rate and a friction coefficient as well as quick and stable passivation in simulated body fluid. An increase from room temperature to body temperature showed excellent temperature assisted passivity and nobler surface layer of the high entropy alloy, resulting in four times better wear resistance compared to stainless steel. Stem cells and osteoblast cells displayed proliferation and migratory behavior, indicating in vitro biocompatibility. Several filopodia extensions on the cell periphery indicated early osteogenic commitment, and cell adhesion on the high entropy alloy. These results pave the way for utilizing the unique combination of tribo-corrosion resistance, excellent mechanical properties, and biocompatibility of MoNbTaTiZr high entropy alloy to develop bioimplants with improved service life and lower risk of implant induced cytotoxicity in the host body.