Corrosion resistance of β-phase titanium alloys under simulated inflammatory conditions: Exploring the relevance of biocompatible alloying elements

In this study we compared the corrosion behavior of single β-phase alloys: (i) Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6Zr and (ii) Ti-45Nb, that contain similar amount of β-phase stabilizers. Corrosion resistance was analyzed in the PBS+H2O2 solution, which simulates the conditions as can be found during post-operative inflammation. Results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and ion-release measurements revealed that Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6Zr alloy demonstrated significantly higher corrosion resistance compared to Ti-45Nb. Post-immersion microscopic analysis demonstrated that a thinner layer of oxidation products was formed on Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6Zr alloy surface. Overall results allowed to exclude the beneficial role of Nb in tailoring corrosion resistance of Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6Zr under simulated inflammatory conditions. Data will be made available on request.