Oxide Nanolayers Grown on New Ternary Ti Based Alloy Surface by Galvanic Anodizing–Characteristics and Anticorrosive Properties

Film of new Ti-15Zr-5Nb alloy formed during galvanic anodizing in orthophosphoric acid solution was characterized by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and Raman micro-spectroscopy. Its anticorrosive properties were determined by electrochemical techniques. The film had a layer with nanotube-like porosity with diameters in 500-1000 nm range. The nano layer contained significant amounts of P and O as well as alloying element. Additionally, Raman micro-spectroscopy identified oxygen as oxygen ion in TiO2 anatase and phosphorous as P2O74- ion in phosphotitanate compound. All potentiodynamic polarization curves in artificial Carter-Brugirard saliva with pH values (pH= 3.96, 7.84, and 9.11) depending on the addition of 0.05M NaF revealed nobler behavior of anodized alloy and higher polarization resistance indicating the film is thicker and more compact nanolayer. Lower corrosion rates of the anodized alloy reduced toxicity due to less released ions into saliva. Bigger curvature radii in Nyquist plot and higher phase angle in Bode plot for the anodized alloy ascertain a thicker, more protective, insulating nanolayer existing on the anodized alloy. Additionally, ESI results indicate anodized film consists of an inner, compact, barrier, layer and an outer, less protective, porous layer.