Corrosion resistance of titanium alloys in the artificial saliva solution

Purpose: The purpose of this article was to characterize the corrosion behaviour and compare two biomedical titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-10Mo-4Zr) in an artificial saliva solution (MAS) containing lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) used in dentistry. The addition of these two compounds simulate the situation, where the alloy is implanted in the human body and hydrogen peroxide is generated by the inflammatory reaction and lactic acid is release by bacterial in the oral cavity. Design/methodology/approach: In this studies were used following electrochemical techniques: Open Circuit Potential (OCP), Linear Sweep Voltamperometry (LSV), Chronoamperometry at constant potential and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Electrochemical impedance spectra were carried out at the 0.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl potential. The EIS data were fitted using the ZViev software. Findings: The results presented in the work demonstrate that the titanium alloys have a good corrosion resistance. The corrosion behaviour was determined by surface condition of alloys and presence different chemical compounds in the solution. For Ti-10Mo-4Zr titanium alloy in MAS with different concentration of hydrogen peroxide in anodic domain it was seen more clearly. Research limitations/implications: In the future passive films of both titanium alloys will be investigated by: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM). Originality/value: The corrosion behaviour of biomedical titanium alloy contains molybdenum and zirconium selected as safe alloying elements for human body is presented and compared to commercial Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The corrosion resistance of the titanium alloys was investigated in the artificial saliva solution with addition of lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide.