Zr–Si biomaterials with high strength and low elastic modulus

In order to develop new biomaterials for hard tissue replacements (HTR), the Zr–8.8Si–xNb (x = 0.0, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9) alloys with required properties were designed and prepared for the first time. Experimental results show that these alloys can provide excellent mechanical compatibility for the special demands for substitution of human bones. The highest compression strength of the alloys is 1189.30 MPa, while the highest yield strength of alloys is 850.25 MPa. The elastic energy is determined to be 5.001–12.01 MJ/m3, and the Young’s modulus is in the range of 25.08–29.63 GPa. The composition of high strength and low elastic modulus of Zr–8.8Si–xNb alloys offer potential advantages for biomedical applications.

► Equiaxed Zr2Si particles reinforced Zr matrix composites were obtained.
► The Zr–8.8Si–xNb alloys exhibit high compressive strength and high yield strength.
► The low elastic modulus is very close to that of the human bone.