Effect of Surface Modification on the Corrosion Resistance of Zr-2.5Nb as Material for Permanent Implants

Abstract Zirconium is a potential material for permanent implants. In particular, surface modification induced by anodisation has proved to be effective to improve corrosion resistance while keeping good osseointegration. The combination of zirconium with niobium is supposed to develop a structure that presents a high corrosion resistance and continues having the mechanical resistance necessary for implants. The aim of the present work is to determine the viability of using anodised Zr-2.5Nb as implant material, and compare it with pure Zr. Electrochemical tests performed in the anodizing solution and in a simulated biological solution revealed that by anodising the materials a higher corrosion resistance is obtained. The improvement on the corrosion resistance is particularly noticeable in the case of the pure metal after a short period immersed in the simulated biological solution. But, after a long period of immersion, the alloy shows better performance.