Microstructure and Electrochemical Behavior of TiO₂ Nanotubes Coated on Titanium-Based Substrate Before and After Thermal Treatment.

The comparative study of the structure and electrochemical properties of TiO₂ layers on the surfaces of commercially pure titanium and Ti6Al4V alloy were performed. The TiO₂ surface layers produced by anodization in ethylene glycol-based electrolyte solution using Power Supply MCS-3204 MANSON at 20 V or 40 V for 60 minutes were formed on the titanium substrates by simultaneous surface oxidation and controlled dissolving of oxide film due the fluorine ions. The SEM and X-ray diffraction analyses were performed to determine the properties of the anodized layers before and after heat treatment at 500 °C for 120 minutes. The as-anodized TiO₂ nanotubes exhibited an amorphous structure. An anatase phase appeared in annealed nanotube layers of both Ti based substrates. The corrosion behavior in simulated physiological solution was compared for not anodized, anodized and anodized heat treated conditions of both titanium surfaces. The results of the electrochemical measurements corresponded to the microstructure and treatment condition. The porous feature of the anodizing layers on Ti6Al4V substrate led to lower corrosion resistance that increased after the heat treatment.