Study of the Effect of Anodic Oxidation on the Corrosion Properties of the Ti6Al4V Implant Produced from SLM

Abstract

Additive technologies allowed for the development of medicine and implantology, enabling the production of personalized and highly porous implants. Although implants of this type are used clinically, they are usually only heat treated. Surface modification using electrochemical methods can significantly improve the biocompatibility of biomaterials used for implants, including printed ones. The study examined the effect of anodizing oxidation on the biocompatibility of a porous implant made of Ti6Al4V by the SLM method. The study used a proprietary spinal implant intended for the treatment of discopathy in the c4–c5 section. As part of the work, the manufactured implant was assessed in terms of compliance with the requirements for implants (structure testing—metallography) and the accuracy of the pores produced (pore size and porosity). The samples were subjected to surface modification using anodic oxidation. The research was carried out for 6 weeks in in vitro conditions. Surface topographies and corrosion properties (corrosion potential, ion release) were compared for unmodified and anodically oxidized samples. The tests showed no effect of anodic oxidation on the surface topography and improved corrosion properties. Anodic oxidation stabilized the corrosion potential and limited the release of ions to the environment.