Corrosion resistance of β-phase titanium alloys under simulated inflammatory conditions: Exploring the relevance of biocompatible alloying elements

In this study we compared the corrosion behavior of single & beta;-phase alloys: (i) Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6Zr and (ii) Ti-45Nb, that contain similar amount of & beta;-phase stabilizers. Corrosion resistance was analyzed in the PBS+H2O2 solution, which simulates the conditions as can be found during post-operative inflammation. Results of elec-trochemical impedance spectroscopy, and ion-release measurements revealed that Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6Zr alloy demonstrated significantly higher corrosion resistance compared to Ti-45Nb. Post-immersion microscopic analysis demonstrated that a thinner layer of oxidation products was formed on Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6Zr alloy sur-face. Overall results allowed to exclude the beneficial role of Nb in tailoring corrosion resistance of Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6Zr under simulated inflammatory conditions.

Automated summary

In this study, the corrosion behavior of two alloys, Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6Zr and Ti-45Nb, with similar amounts of β-phase stabilizers, was compared. The corrosion resistance was analyzed in a PBS+H2O2 solution, simulating post-operative inflammation conditions. The results showed that the Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6Zr alloy had significantly higher corrosion resistance compared to Ti-45Nb, as evidenced by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and ion-release measurements. Microscopic analysis also revealed that a thinner layer of oxidation products was formed on the Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6Zr alloy surface. These findings suggest that Nb does not play a beneficial role in tailoring the corrosion resistance of Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6Zr under simulated inflammatory conditions.