Corrosion Resistance of Ti6Al7Nb Alloy after Various Surface Modifications

Abstract

The influence of surface pretreatment prior to the anode oxidation of Ti6Al7Nb alloy samples on corrosion resistance was presented in the work. The preliminary surface treatments were: grinding, vibration machining, sandblasting and electrochemical polishing. Anodic oxidation process was carried out at different voltages. The final procedure of the surface modification was steam sterilization. The scope of the work included: corrosion resistance study (pitting and crevice) of both non-sterilized and sterilized samples, and samples after 28 days exposure to the Ringer’s solution, concentration evaluation of metal ions releasing from the sterilized surface as well as observations of surface topography. The research revealed a significant influence of surface pretreatment of Ti6Al7Nb alloy, prior to the anode oxidation and steam sterilization, on corrosion resistance.