Microstructure and corrosion behavior of binary titanium alloys with beta-stabilizing elements.

Binary titanium alloys with the beta-stabilizing elements of Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Pd (up to 30%) and Ag (up to 45%) were examined through metallographic observation and X-ray diffractometry to determine whether beta phases that are advantageous for dental use could be retained. Corrosion behavior was also investigated electrochemically and discussed thermodynamically. Some cast alloys with Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, and Pd retained the beta phase, whereas those with Ag and Cu had no beta phase. In some alloys, an intermetallic compound formed, based on information from the phase diagram. The corrosion resistance deteriorated in the TiAg alloys because Ti2Ag and/or TiAg intermetallic compounds preferentially dissolved in 0.9% NaCl solution. On the other hand, the remaining titanium alloys became easily passive and revealed good corrosion resistance similar to pure titanium since their matrices seemed to thermodynamically form titanium oxides as did pure titanium.