Corrosion behaviour of NiTi alloy

Abstract

In the present work, the corrosion behaviour of NiTi in Hanks’ solution at 37 °C was assessed by the use of electrochemical methods. Pure titanium and pure nickel were included in the study in order to understand the contribution of each alloying element. The results were compared with Ti–6Al–4V alloy and 316L stainless steel, materials traditionally used as orthopaedic implants. Moreover, the susceptibility of NiTi to corrosion under different conditions was examined using other physiological solutions and different pH values. It was observed that the corrosion behaviour of NiTi is much closer to Ti than to Ni, as it may be seen on the polarization curve, where the high protective character of the passive oxide film formed on NiTi is similar to that of titanium. On the other hand, comparing the different implant materials, it was possible to establish the following relation for their corrosion resistances: 316L stainless steel < NiTi < Ti–6Al–4V.