Oxidized Zr-2.5Nb (marketed as Oxinium) is a surface-hardened zirconium alloy created by controlled oxidation of a zirconium-niobium base metal, producing a ceramic oxide layer bonded to a ductile metallic substrate. This material is engineered specifically for bearing and articulating surfaces in orthopedic implants, where the hard oxide exterior minimizes wear and the tough underlying alloy provides damage tolerance. Compared to conventional cobalt-chromium or alumina-on-plastic combinations, Oxinium offers reduced wear rates and improved scratch resistance while maintaining the fracture toughness advantage of metallic substrates, making it particularly valuable in hip and knee replacements where long-term durability and low particulate generation are critical.
Compliance & Regulations
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Elongation at Break(εf) | 18.00 | - | — | ||
Hardness (Vickers)(HV) | 1,700 | HV | notes | ||
Poisson's Ratio(ν) | 0.3400 | - | — | ||
Ultimate Tensile Strength(σUTS) | 830.0 | MPa | — | ||
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)(σy) | 690.0 | MPa | — | ||
Young's Modulus(E) | 97.00 | GPa | — |
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Density(ρ) | 6.510 | kg/m³ | — |