Corrosion behavior of titanium modified by direct laser interference lithography

Abstract

This paper reports on the corrosion behavior of Titanium Grade 2 when subjected to non-contact laser functionalization. Direct Laser Interference Lithography (DLIL) was used to create periodic topography with two different surface patterns on pre-modified titanium. Corrosion resistance was measured in physiological saline at 37 °C. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy data (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization curves were correlated with the characteristics of the passive films through analysis of the topography, chemical composition, and thickness of oxides formed on the titanium after surface modifications. The corrosion tests showed that laser-textured surfaces have a beneficial impact on titanium corrosion resistance in a physiological saline solution 0.9% NaCl. Moreover, the passive layer on DLIL-modified samples is more stable and less susceptible to growth in the corrosive environment. The results highlight the local interaction of DLIL treatment of the titanium surface after it had been shot-peened and acid-etched. The improved corrosion resistance in DLIL samples derives mainly from changes in the surface topography, chemical composition, and thickness of oxide films obtained after laser processing.