Corrosion resistance of new beta type titanium alloy, Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6Zr in artificial saliva solution

The corrosion resistance of Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6Zr (TNTZ) and Ti-6Al-4V alloys in oral cavity environment were studied by investigating its corrosion rate in artificial saliva solution. Corrosion measurement was conducted in 600 ml solution of Fusayama-Meyer artificial saliva containing 0.4g NaCl, 0.4g KCl, 0.795g CaCl₂.2H₂O, 0.69g NaH₂PO₄, and 1 g urea using a potentiostat controlled by a personal computer. The solution was maintained at pH 5.2 and controlled the temperature of 37°C to imitate oral cavity condition. After corrosion test, specimen surfaces were examined by SEM and EDX. The results show that the average corrosion rate of TNTZ and Ti-6Al-4V is 4,5×10^-9 mmy^-1 and 6,4×10^-8 mmy^-1, respectively, indicating that the corrosion resistance of TNTZ is slightly better than Ti-6Al-4V. This is suggested mainly due to the formation of multiple layers of Ti, Nb and Zr oxides in the surface of TNTZ. However, the formation of micro-pitting corrosion is more severe in TNTZ as compared to that of Ti-6Al-4V. The intense pitting corrosion in TNTZ is found strongly corresponded to its high impurities content and wide elemental segregation. It is recommended, therefore, a longer homogenizing process is required in TNTZ for reducing pitting corrosion attack. However, the details of corrosion mechanism are needed to be explored further. (paper)