• Spinodal Zr 70 Ta 30 , Zr 60 Ta 40 , and Zr 50 Ta 50 alloys were selected from the miscibility gap based on the Zr–Ta phase diagram and fabricated by one-step suction casting. • Spinodal decomposition in Zr–Ta alloys led to the formation of alternating nanoscale Zr-rich β₁ and Ta-rich β₂ phases, endowing the alloys with high yield strength, large elastic admissible strain, and desirable ductility. • The unique coherent dual-cubic reinforcement and heterostructure deformation-induced strengthening contribute to the distinguished comprehensive mechanical properties of the Zr–Ta alloys. • The spinodal Zr 70 Ta 30 alloy exhibited the best combination of mechanical properties with a yield strength of ∼1374 MPa, elastic admissible strain of ∼1.70%, and elongation at break of ∼11.6%. • The magnetic susceptibilities of the Zr–Ta alloys were approximately one-third that of Ti–6Al–4V alloy. Zirconium (Zr) alloys have been extensively investigated as potential orthopedic implant materials due to their unique combination of favorable mechanical properties, minimal magnetic interference, high corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. However, improving their elastic admissible strain while maintaining adequate ductility remains essential for achieving reliable high performance in clinical applications. In this study, spinodal Zr 70 Ta 30 , Zr 60 Ta 40 , and Zr 50 Ta 50 (at.%) alloys were selected from the miscibility gap based on the Zr-Ta phase diagram and prepared using suction casting. Their microstructure, mechanical properties, wear and corrosion resistance, magnetic susceptibility, and biocompatibility were systematically investigated. Spinodal decomposition in the Zr-Ta alloys produced alternating nanoscale Zr-rich β 1 and Ta-rich β 2 phases, endowing the alloy with outstanding yield strength ( σ ys ) and elastic admissible strain ( δ ), and favorable elongation at break ( ε b ). In particular, the Zr 70 Ta 30 alloy exhibited the best combination of mechanical properties with a σ ys of ∼1374 MPa, δ of ∼1.70%, and ε b of ∼11.6%. The wear resistance of the Zr-Ta alloys increased with increasing Ta content, whereas their corrosion resistance decreased correspondingly. The magnetic susceptibilities of the Zr-Ta alloys were approximately one-third that of the medical Ti6Al4V alloy. In addition, the Zr-Ta alloys showed relative cell viabilities exceeding 96% toward MCT3-E1 cells. Overall, the spinodal Zr 70 Ta 30 alloy demonstrates strong potential as an orthopedic implant material due to its optimal combination of σ ys , δ , and ε b , together with effective wear and corrosion resistance and suitable biocompatibility.
Hua et al. (Sun,) studied this question.