Formation of a protective oxide layer with enhanced wear and corrosion resistance by heating the TiZrHfNbFe0.5 refractory multi-principal element alloy at 1,000 °C

In the present work, the effects of oxidation treatment on the structures and properties of a novel TiZrHfNbFe0.5 refractory multi-principal element alloy (MPEA) were reported. It is found that the TiZrHfNbFe0.5 MPEA exhibits a sluggish oxidation rate at 1,000 degrees C, which is attributed to the formation of a compact and stable oxide layer consisting of complex metallic oxides like Ti2ZrO6 and Fe2O3. In comparison with the as-cast MPEA, the microhardness of the 1,000 degrees C oxidized MPEA significantly increases by 1.6 times, resulting in a two orders of magnitude higher wear resistance. Furthermore, the bio-corrosion resistance, hydrophilicity, and bioactivity of the MPEA are remarkably enhanced by the 1,000 degrees C oxidation. In short, the formation of a highly protective oxide layer with enhanced wear and corrosion resistance by heating the TiZrHfNbFe0.5 MPEA at 1,000 degrees C, which shows promising prospects for biomedical applications.