Microstructure, corrosion behavior, and biocompatibility of Ti-6Al-4 V alloy fabricated by LPBF and EBM techniques

This study aims to investigate the microstructure and electrochemical behavior of the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF-) and electron beam melting (EBM-) manufactured Ti-6Al-4 V alloy in the Ringer ' s solution. The microstructure of the LPBF-fabricated part contained the acicular alpha' martensite phase, while the EBM-fabricated part possessed a combination of alpha and 13 phases. The formation of two phases in the EBM sample can be related to the lower thermal tension and higher temperature of the table during the fabrication process. Electrochemical studies have revealed that the better corrosion performance of the LPBF-manufactured alloy was mainly due to the formation of local galvanic cells in the EBM-manufactured Ti-6Al-4 V alloy. Corrosion current densities of the LPBF- and EBM-manufactured alloys after 100 h of immersion were 0.36 and 0.87 mu A cm-2, respectively. MTT assay was performed using MG-63 cells to assess the biocompatibility of the manufactured samples. The results showed that the cells had good adhesion and durability on the samples. Though, both samples could be regarded as good candidates for implant applications, but the LPBF-manufactured part showed a higher resistance corrosion and is then more suitable for implant alloys.

Automated summary

This study investigates the microstructure and electrochemical behavior of Ti-6Al-4 V alloy manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and electron beam melting (EBM) in Ringer's solution. It is found that the LPBF-manufactured alloy has better corrosion resistance due to the formation of local galvanic cells in the EBM-manufactured alloy. MTT assay shows that the manufactured samples have good biocompatibility. The LPBF-manufactured alloy is more suitable for implant applications.