Evaluation of corrosion rate and surface oxides formed of Zr-2.5%Nb as an implant material in Ringer's solution

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Corrosion causes complications such as toxicity and inflammation by making changes in metals, fracture, relaxation and loss of implant strength. In biomaterial science, we try to select and combine materials to construct and design the implants that have less corrosion and consequently reduce complications as much as possible. Methods/ Statistical analysis: In this study, Zirconium-2.5 Niobium alloy was heat-treated to remove its residual stress after rolling operations. Surface oxides were diagnosed by XPS analysis on the desired alloy which had been kept for two years in Ringer's solution. To measure the corrosion rate parameter on the desired sample, corrosion test was conducted using a three-electrode cell method. Findings: Surface oxides Nb2O5 and ZrO2 were diagnosed by XPS analysis. The results showed that the corrosion rate in this alloy was less than the usual corrosion rate of Titanium implant and its alloys. Application/ Improvements: Biocompatible oxides alongside high in vitro corrosion make Zr-2.5Nb alloy as favorable surgical implants.