Characterisation of corrosion properties of Ti–Nb–Cu alloy foam by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy method

Abstract

In the present study, highly porous Ti–Nb–Cu alloy foams were produced by a powder metallurgy method for biomedical implant (hard tissue) applications. Nb was added in order to stabilize the beta-Ti phase. Cu addition enhanced sinterability and reduced the sintering temperature of the alloy. Electrochemical corrosion behaviour of the Ti–Nb–Cu alloy specimens was examined by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy method in an artificial saliva environment. Effects of porosity of the foam, Cu content of the alloy, pH and fluoride content of the artificial saliva solution on the electrochemical corrosion properties of the specimens were investigated. Mechanical properties of the specimens were also studied by compression tests.

Keywords:

• Ti–Nb–Cu
• EIS method
• Biomedical implant
• Beta Ti
• Artificial saliva

Acknowledgements

This work was partially supported by TUBITAK, Project no. 214M438. This work was also partially supported by Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Istanbul University, Project no. 42922.