Titanium alloys containing boron additions have shown remarkable improvements in
processing and mechanical behavior. Significant reductions in grain size are observed even with trace
additions of boron (< 0.1 wt% B) leading to benefits in processing. When the boron levels are increased
to modest levels (~ 1 wt% B), the stiffness and strength of the Ti-6 Al-4 V base alloy increase by 20 –
30% with no loss in ductility. Keeping these advantages in mind, the aqueous corrosion behavior of
these unique materials was investigated in this study to establish a baseline for performance and to
provide insights into alloy design for environmental resistance. Cyclic polarization studies were
conducted using biologically relevant solutions, i.e., 1 wt% NaCl, Ringer’s and Hank’s solutions.
Differences in pitting potentials and pit morphology were observed with changes in boron content. A
parallel study was also conducted in determining the biocompatibility of these alloys for human
prosthetic use. This was performed by examining the effect of boron alloy on bone eroding osteoclasts.
These are the cells responsible for prosthetic loosening and implant failure. Our study shows that
addition of boron does not increase the activity of osteoclast bone erosion and, thus, not alter the
biocompatibility of titanium alloys.
Keywords: titanium boron, sodium chloride, Ringer’s solution, Hank’s solution, osteoclasts, bone
erosion, pitting corrosion