Effect of Zr Content on the Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Corrosion Resistance of Ti–27Nb–xZr Alloys

Abstract

In order to improve comprehensive mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of Ti–Nb–Zr alloys, Ti–27Nb–xZr (0–10 wt%) alloys were prepared by powder metallurgy (PM) method. The effect of Zr content on microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance was researched. It was observed that the alloys possessed equal-axis β phase and a little acicular α phase. The mechanical property test showed that with the increase of Zr content, the elastic modulus of Ti–27Nb–xZr alloys was reduced and the compressive strength was improved. When the Zr content was 6 wt%, the Ti–27Nb–6Zr alloy had the highest compressive strength of 625 MPa, and the lowest elastic modulus of 50 GPa. Corrosion resistance of the Ti–27Nb–xZr alloys was evaluated by the potentiodynamic polarization curves. The result showed that the Ti–27Nb–6Zr alloy had better corrosion resistance than those of other alloys with different Zr contents, which exhibited a great potential for orthopedic applications.