Comparison of the fretting corrosion behaviour of Ti-6Al-4V alloy and CP-Ti IN ringer’s solution

Abstract

Fretting corrosion behaviour of Ti-6Al-4V alloy in Ringer’s solution was evaluated and compared with that of CP-Ti. Free corrosion potential (FCP), morphology of the fretted zone, extent of formation and accumulation of debris and, wear volume were used as parameters of evaluation. Both Ti-6Al-4V alloy and CP-Ti behave similarly in terms of change in FCP as a function of time, morphological features and wear mechanism. Ti-6Al-4V alloy, however, exhibits an increase in corrosion susceptibility, decrease in tendency for repassivation, higher amount of formation and accumulation of debris and, an increase in wear volume, compared to that of CP-Ti. The study points out the importance of materials selection for implants that would encounter fretting corrosion.