Corrosion characterization and ion release in SLM-manufactured and wrought Ti6Al4V alloy in an oral environment

Abstract

As-produced and heat-treated TiAlV samples were prepared by selective laser melting and compared to wrought samples of identical chemical composition. Microstructural, corrosion, and spectroscopic studies of additively manufactured samples in artificial saliva at 37 °C, with NaF and at pH 2.3 were as a novelty combined with metal ion release during 42 days immersion. In artificial saliva higher amount of ions was released on SLM specimen when compared to wrought alloy. The total amount of ions released from SLM specimen in AS containing NaF was 10-times higher than in AS, while in AS with lactic acid it was 100-times higher.