Electrochemical Oxide Layers Obtained on Titanium Alloy Ti–13Nb–13Zr in Medical Application

Currently, vanadium-free titanium alloys are of considerable interest, demonstrating greater biocompatibility, biotolerance, corrosion resistance, and low Young&s;s modulus compared to titanium alloys containing vanadium. A representative vanadium-free titanium alloy is the Ti–13Nb–13Zr. Recent research is focused on the production and modification of thin oxide layers on the Ti–13Nb–13Zr titanium alloy using electrochemical oxidation to improve corrosion resistance, particularly resistance to pitting corrosion. This chapter describes the electrochemical method for obtaining thin films, with particular emphasis on nanotube layers obtained on the surface of the Ti–13Nb–13Zr titanium alloy. Microscopic analysis of the surface topography after electrochemical oxidation was performed. Potentiostatic tests performed in Ringer&s;s solution will be used to determine susceptibility to pitting corrosion.