Electrochemical studies on the stability and corrosion resistance of new zirconium‐based alloys for biomedical applications

Abstract

The biocompatibility of commercially pure zirconium and its alloys is closely related to their surface properties with both the composition of the protecting oxide film and the surface topography playing an important role. This article is a study of corrosion behavior of new zirconium alloys for orthopedic implants, which are supposed to be used instead of some implant materials that have a higher citotoxicity. For this reason, zirconium and its alloys will be employed widely in biomedical applications. The higher stability and corrosion resistance exhibited by zirconium are due to the spontaneous formation of a passive zirconium oxide film, which protects the metal from further oxidation. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are used as electrochemical techniques. Measurements were carried out to investigate the corrosion behavior of zirconium and Zr2.5Nb, Zr3Ta, and Zr2.5Nb3Ta alloys in aerated Hank solution at 37 ± 0.2 • C. The results of EIS were compared with those obtained by potentiodynamic polarization techniques. Impedance spectra were represented both in complex impedance diagram (Nyquist plot) and Bode plots. The EIS measurements have confirmed this stability range and pointed out the formation of oxide layers on the electrode surfaces.

Effect of Surface Modification on the Corrosion Resistance of Zr-2.5Nb as Material for Permanent Implants

“…Similar results were found in the literature in other simulated biological media. Branzoi et al (2008) found that alloying elements, such as niobium, increase the corrosion resistance of zirconium in Hank's solution. Similar results were obtained by Oliveira et al (2005) in the Ringer physiological solution and the phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution.…”

Microstructure, mechanical property, corrosion behavior, and in vitro biocompatibility of Zr–Mo alloys

“…The corrosion performance of Zr alloys strongly depended on its composition, structure, and environment. The previous corrosion studies 13,16,45 clearly indicated that when adding Ti, Nb, Ta to pure Zr, its corrosion performance improved but adding Hf lowered its corrosion resistance. In addition, the growth and stability of the oxide film on Zr and its alloys were much affected with the presence of chloride ions.…”

“…12 In addition, a thin oxide film could spontaneously form on the surface of Zr and its alloys in various electrolytes, which offers them a superior corrosion resistance. 13,14 However, the passive film is not very stable and pitting corrosion easily occurs for Zr and Zr alloys in chloride medium. 14,15 It was suggested that their corrosion resistance would be further improved by alloying 16,17 or surface treatment.…”

The microstructure, mechanical and corrosion properties of calcium polyphosphate reinforced ZK60A magnesium alloy composites

“…In zinc deficiency, nearly all the physiological functions are strongly perturbed. Zirconium possesses a set of suitable properties for orthopedic applications such as low specific weight, high corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility [19]. Based on the aforementioned considerations, ZK60A magnesium alloy including Zn and a very small amount of Zr was chosen in our studies to improve corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of magnesium.…”