Electrochemical Behaviors of Binary Ti-Zr Alloys

Pure Ti as well as Ti-6Al-4V alloy exhibit excellent properties for dental implant applications. However, for a better biocompatibility it seems important to avoid in the composition the presence of V due to the toxic effects of V ion release. Thus Al and V free and composed of non-toxic element such as Nb, Zr alloys as biomaterials have been developed. Especially, Zr contains to same family in periodic table as Ti. The addition of Zr to Ti alloy has an excellent mechanical properties, good corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. In this study, the electrochemical characteristics of Ti-Zr alloys for biomaterials have been investigated using by electrochemical methods. Methods: Ti-Zr(10, 20, 30 and 40 wt%) alloys were prepared by arc melting and homogenized for 24 hr at $1000^{\circ}C$ in argon atmosphere. Phase constitutions and microstructure of the specimens were characterized by XRD, OM and SEM. The corrosion properties of the specimens were examined through potentiodynamic test (potential range of -1500 ~ 2000 mV), potentiostatic test (const. potential of 300 mV) in artificial saliva solution by potentiostat (EG&G Co, PARSTAT 2273. USA).