An electrochemical study on self-ordered nanoporous and nanotubular oxide on Ti-35Nb-5Ta-7Zr alloy for biomedical applications

Highly ordered nanoporous and nanotubular oxide layers were developed on low-rigidity beta Ti-35Nb-5Ta-7Zr alloy by controlled DC anodization in electrolyte containing 1 M H3PO4 and 0.5 wt.% NaF at room temperature. The as-formed and crystallized nanotubes were characterized by electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and X-ray diffraction. The electrochemical passivation behavior of the nanoporous and nanotubular oxide surfaces were investigated in Ringer's solution at 37 +/- 1 degrees C employing a potentiodynamic polarization technique and impedance spectroscopy. The diameters of the as-formed nanotubes were in the range of 30-80 nm. The nanotubular surface exhibited passivation behavior similar to that of the nanoporous surface. However, the corrosion current density was considerably higher for the nanotubular alloy. The surface after nanotube formation seemed to favor an immediate and effective passivation. Electrochemical impedance spectra were simulated by equivalent circuits and the results were discussed with regard to biomedical applications. (C) 2009 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.