Surface characterization of oxides grown on the Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy and their corrosion protection

Oxide films were formed on the biocompatible alloy Ti-13Nb-13Zr in a phosphate buffer at open-circuit potential (E-oc), potentiodynamically up to 8 V, or by micro-arc oxidation (MAO) at 300 V. Their electrochemical properties were assessed in a phosphate buffer saline solution (PBS). EIS and SEM results showed that the E-oc and potentiodynamically formed oxide films were compact and behave as a monolayer, while the MAO oxide was a bilayered film (compact inner and porous outer layers). Open-circuit potential and EIS resistance values indicated that the MAO oxide provides the best corrosion protection for the alloy in PBS. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.