Evaluation of Electrochemical Behaviour and Surface Properties for Oxinium-Like Zr-Nb Biomedical Alloys

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of Nb amount on electrochemical behaviour and surface properties for Oxinium-like Zr-Nb biomedical alloys. Oxinium (heat treated Zr-2.5%Nb alloy) represents the newest metal-ceramic composite used in orthopaedic surgery for total hip and total knee replacement. We used potentiodynamic polarization measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) as electrochemical techniques and Vickers micro-hardness as surface properties evaluation technique.