A promising method to develop TiO2-based nanotubular surfaces on Ti-40Nb alloy with enhanced adhesion and improved tribocorrosion resistance

Abstract

Although TiO2 nanotubes have unique properties making them attractive for variety of applications, their poor adhesion to the substrate is a major limitation. In order to overcome this limitation, a facile route, combination of a two-step anodic treatment and heat treatment was applied in order to develop a well-adhered TiO2-based nanotubular surface on Ti-40Nb alloy. The adhesion of the nanotubular layer was evaluated by Daimler-Benz Rockwell C test. Corrosion and tribocorrosion behavior was investigated in phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS) at body temperature. Corrosion behavior was examined by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy whereas tribocorrosion behavior was evaluated by reciprocating sliding against an alumina ball at open circuit potential. Results showed that the adhesion, corrosion, and tribocorrosion behavior of the nanotubular layer was drastically improved with the combination of a two-step anodic treatment and heat treatment.