Recent advances in gum metal: Synthesis, performance and application

Abstract The development of prosthesis implantation as a means to treat bone defects in the field of orthopedic surgery is booming. Some materials with excellent biocompatibility are available for practical application, while new materials are being continuously developed. Gum metal is a new type of multifunctional β-type titanium alloy, and its basic composition can be expressed as Ti-24(Ta + Nb + V)-(Zr, Hf)-O. Gum metal has a good combination of a low elastic modulus and high strength, which promotes its emergence in the biological field. Moreover, gum metal combines the advantages of nonlinear elasticity, low work hardening rate and nontoxicity, making it a new material with potential in the future. This review begins with the design origin of gum metal and the influence of various elements on this kind of alloy. Second, the fabrication process and deformation mechanism of gum metal are summarized. Finally, the properties and current application fields of gum metal are introduced. Graphical Abstract[ 51 , 91 , 92 , 98 ] Highlights A concise review of recent advances in gum metal. A comprehensive assessment of the essential characteristics. An introduction of various synthetic strategies for the fabrication of gum metal. A brief overview on fundamental is presented to better understand super-elasticity. An overview of representative biomedical, industry and manufacturing of gum metal.