Effect of B\({}_{4}\)C Reinforcement on the Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Resistance of CoCrMo, Ti, and 17-4 PH Alloys  
[PERSON]  
1 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Graduate Studies, Istanbul University-Cerrabpasa, Istanbul 34320, Turkey  
2 Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Istanbul University-Cerrabpasa, Istanbul 34320, Turkey  
2 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Graduate Studies, Istanbul University-Cerrabpasa, Istanbul 34320, Turkey  
Among these, cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloys are regarded as optimal candidates for total joint replacements due to their exceptional fatigue strength, corrosion resistance, and well-established clinical history. CoCrMo alloys find application in a variety of medical devices, including hip and knee implants, particularly in joint surfaces, dental implant skeletal structures, bridge supports, mechanical heart valves, and pedicle screws and plates in spine implants [5; 6; 7]. Titanium and its alloys are also extensively used due to their low density, high corrosion resistance, and elastic modulus values that approximate those of cortical bone [8; 9; 10]. Ti alloys are used in orthopedics in bone plates, screws, hip-knee implant components, dental screw-type root implants, spinal systems such as vertebral cages and interbody fusion implants, and cranial and maxillofacial implants [5; 11]. Furthermore, precipitation-hardened stainless steels, particularly 17-4 PH, present a compelling alternative due to their high strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance [12; 13; 14; 15; 16]. 17-4 PH stainless steel alloys are utilized in a variety of applications, including fixation elements such as plates, screws, and nails; dental instruments; implant-supported components; short-term orthopedic implant applications; and surgical instruments [14; 17; 18]. Polymers, particularly PEEK, exhibit a degree of flexibility comparable to that of bone, a low elastic modulus, and resistance to corrosion. However, their mechanical strength is inferior to that of metals. Consequently, they are employed more frequently in low-load-bearing areas or in conjunction with metal implants [19; 20]. Given the inherent advantages and limitations of each material, the selection of an implant should be made in accordance with the clinical needs and the intended application of the implant. In order to further enhance the performance of metallic materials, ceramic reinforcements are increasingly being incorporated into metal matrix composites (MMCs). Boron carbide (B\({}_{4}\)C) is particularly noteworthy as a reinforcing phase due to its high hardness, low density, excellent wear resistance, and notable corrosion resistance [21; 22; 23]. The powder metallurgy (PM) method is a versatile and cost-effective manufacturing technique that facilitates the homogeneous distribution of ceramic particles within metallic matrices. PM facilitates precise porosity control and allows for the fabrication of complex geometries with high surface quality [24; 25; 26; 27; 28; 29]. Despite significant advancements in the field, orthopedic implant failure remains a persistent challenge, often attributed to mechanical and chemical factors such as wear, corrosion, and stress shielding [30; 31; 32; 33]. It is important to note that when the elastic modulus of an implant material exceeds that of bone, stress shielding can occur. This phenomenon can lead to bone resorption and eventual implant loosening [31]. Additionally, the degradation of passive oxide films formed on the implant surface due to mechanical wear can accelerate corrosion [32; 33]. Recent research has begun to explore the effects of B\({}_{4}\)C reinforcement on the properties of CoCrMo and Ti alloys. For instance, [PERSON] et al. demonstrated improvements in mechanical and tribological behavior with B\({}_{4}\)C-reinforced CoCrMo [34]. [PERSON] et al.