Electrochemical and wear properties of biomedical Ti–Nb–Ag alloy

Abstract

The electrochemical behavior and wear characteristics of a Ti30Nb3Ag (at%) alloy processed with powder metallurgy were investigated for bioimplant applications. A linear reciprocating tribometer was used to assess the tribological properties. Advanced scanning electrochemical microscopic testing was used to investigate the passivation properties and subsequent corrosion protection of the processed Ti30Nb3Ag alloy in a simulated body fluid. Cyclic potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests were performed in both potentio-static and potentiodynamic modes. The results showed that the microstructure of the sintered Ti30Nb3Ag alloy has three phases: β-Ti (BCC), α -Ti (HCP), and Ti2Ag phase. In comparison to commercial pure Ti and Ti6Al4V alloy, the Ti30Nb3Ag alloy exhibited an enhancement in wear resistance of 86% and 36%, respectively. The microelectrochemical corrosion results confirmed the Ti30Nb3Ag alloy's superior localized corrosion-resistant performance by forming an effective passive layer on the surface, pointedly, Rct value of Ti30Nb3Ag alloy exhibited 160% improvement compared to that of Ti6Al4V alloy after 24 h of exposure. In comparison to the Ti6Al4V alloy, the Ti30Nb3Ag alloy exhibited enhanced corrosion resistance, increased hardness, and reduced wear rates, indicating a competitive advantage in biomedical applications.

Keywords

• Ti alloy
• Biomaterials
• Corrosion
• Wear
• Powder metallurgy