Study of the corrosion properties and biocompatibility of the Ti-38Zr-9Nb titanium alloy for medical applications

Abstract

This study investigates the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of the Ti–38Zr–9Nb (at%) titanium alloy developed for medical implant applications. The corrosion behavior and biocompatibility of the alloy were examined and compared with those of industrially used materials VT1-0 (commercially pure titanium) and VT6 (Ti–6Al–4V). The results demonstrated that the selected alloy composition provides high chemical homogeneity and contains no toxic elements. Corrosion tests revealed low corrosion current density values and the absence of ion release into physiological solution over a six-month exposure period. Biological assessments confirmed the high biocompatibility of the alloy, supporting effective cell adhesion and proliferation. Overall, the Ti–38Zr–9Nb alloy exhibits a combination of excellent corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and favorable mechanical properties, indicating its strong potential for use in biomedical implants.