Synthesis of binary nano-composite of Ti50Zr50 and its characterization

We report here the first successful effort to synthesize stable Ti50Zr50 binary nano-composite of grain size about 7.6 nm by the roller vibration milling with a batch volume about 170 g at room temperature. The composite remains the basic hexagonal feature, but the axial ratio is much smaller than that of the ideal hexagonal close-packed structure and the standard value of Ti and Zr. The alloying process contains plastic deformation, grain size reduction, particle implantation, and atomic diffusion and permeation. It is the Zr size reduction created reactivity that promotes the particle implantation. The plastic pre-deformation of Ti provides the matrix and guarantee for the reaction. Surface chemical change analysis reveals that the mechanical property, biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and the wear resistance of the materials may increase as used in orthopedic applications.