Tribocorrosion behavior of ?-type Ti-Nb-Ga alloys in a physiological solution

Tribo-electrochemical behavior in physiological solution of two beta-type (100-x)(Ti-45Nb)-xGa (x = 4, 8 wt%) alloys, alongside beta-Ti-45Nb and medical grade Ti-6Al-4V ELI, was investigated. Microstructure and mechanical behavior were evaluated by X-ray diffraction, microhardness and ultrasonic method. Tribocorrosion tests (open circuit potential, anodic potentiostatic tests) were performed using a reciprocating pin-on-disk tribometer under constant load. Degradation mechanisms are similar for the alloys: plastic deformation, delamination, abrasive and adhesive wear. Among the beta-Ti-Nb alloys, an improved wear resistance with lower damage was remarked for beta-92(Ti-45Nb)-8Ga alloy, attributed to increased microhardness. Content of Ga3+ ions released in the test so-lutions were found to be in very low amounts (few ppb). Addition of Ga to Ti-45Nb resulted in improved corrosion resistance under mechanical loading.

Automated summary

Tribo-electrochemical behavior of two beta-type (100-x)(Ti-45Nb)-xGa (x = 4, 8 wt%) alloys in physiological solution was investigated. Microstructure and mechanical behavior were evaluated by X-ray diffraction, microhardness and ultrasonic method. Tribocorrosion tests showed degradation mechanisms of plastic deformation, delamination, abrasive and adhesive wear. An improved wear resistance with lower damage was observed for beta-92(Ti-45Nb)-8Ga alloy due to increased microhardness. The addition of Ga to Ti-45Nb improved corrosion resistance under mechanical loading.