The biocompatibility of palladium-copper alloys has been questioned in the literature. The intention of the present work was to study: (a) the release of ions in an immersion test from a copper-containing alloy, Option((R)) (79% Pd, 10% Cu, 9% Ga, 2% Au), compared with an alloy without Cu, IS85 (82% Pd, 6% Ga, 3.5% Sn, 3.5% In, 2.5% Ag, 2.5% Au); (b) the effect of oxide films produced by preoxidation on corrosion resistance; and (c) the possibility of biologically synergetic effects of ions released.

The properties of an alloy with 65% Pd, 30% Co and 5% Ga have been investigated with consideration to the requirements of a ceramic fusing alloy. The composition of the alloy was at the outset chosen because of a reasonably low melting point of 1200°C. The mechanical properties were found to be satisfactory (σ0.2≈ 530 MPa, total elongation ≈5%).