Effects of Zr contents on the microstructure, mechanical properties and biocompatibility of Ta-Zr alloys

Abstract

Ta-xZr (x = 90, 80, 70, 60 at.%) alloys with good mechanical properties and high density were prepared by powder metallurgy method and vacuum sintering technology. The surface morphologies and mechanical properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed that lamellar Ta was observed with no second phase during the sintering process. The tensile strength and the Young's modulus increased with the Ta contents firstly and then decreased, and varied with the Ta contents in the range of 60.5 ± 5.03~163.0 ± 10.11 MPa and 4.5 ± 0.47~11.8 ± 1.16 GPa, respectively. In conclusion, The Ta-70Zr alloy is potentially useful in the hard tissue implants for its mechanical properties and biocompatibility.