Tribocorrosion behavior of Ti64-xTa alloys fabricated through powder metallurgy

Abstract The tribocorrosion behavior in simulated-body fluid of Ti64-xTa (x = 5, 15 and 30 vol%) alloys fabricated by means of powder metallurgy was evaluated. Ti64-xTa alloys demonstrated a better passivation behavior in comparison to Ti64, forming a more stable passive film. In addition, an important increment in the polarization resistance, and a decrement in the corrosion rate were observed as an effect of Ta addition. Larger corrosion potential drops during tribocorrosion tests indicated that the passive films formed on Ti64-xTa alloys surface were easily removed as the Ta amount increased. Moreover, despite the detrimental in the mechanical properties caused by the addition of Ta, alloys containing 5 and 15 vol% of Ta improved the wear rate of Ti64. The results demonstrated that Ti64 alloys with low Ta amounts fabricated through powder metallurgy are potentially suitable for short-term implant applications.