Electrochemical Testing of Additive Manufactured Ti6Al4v and Niti Materials in a Biological Fluid Environment

Abstract

Abstract The use of additive manufacturing (AM) has seen a marked increase in the biomedical arena for hip and knee replacements, especially for older populations. The AM method is particularly attractive in the biomedical industry as it allows for patient specific designs in the case of unusual anatomy. AM also is well suited to manufacture highly complex parts and has the benefit of rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing. However, as the increase in fabrication and use of these components have increased, there are still some underlying corrosion issues that have yet to be fully understood. This research looks at the electrochemical polarization behavior of AM fabricated UNS R56401 (Ti6Al4V) and NiTi (Nitinol) in a biological fluid. Different build orientations were evaluated as well as different post processing and different surface roughness. Cyclic polarization testing was performed per ASTM F21291 in a Phosphate Buffered Saline solution at 99 F. Surface roughness evaluations were performed prior to testing as well as Scanning Electron Microscopy prior to and after testing.

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Identifiers

DOI

10.5006/c2021-16540

Journal

CORROSION 2021

Year

2021