Currently UNS R56400 (Ti-6Al-4V; Ti64) is the most commonly used structural implant material. However, Ti64 releases metal ions into the body, which are associated with neurological disorders, inflammation, pain and loosening of the implant. In this project, electrochemical methods based on the ASTM F2129 standard were used to quantify the stability of UNS R56700 (Ti-6Al-7Nb; Ti67) and Ti-35Zr-10Nb (Ti3510) in a range of physiological media. The elastic moduli of Ti67 and Ti3510 are closer to that of human bone ensuring a more equitable redistribution of mechanical stresses, thereby minimizing the phenomenon of stress shielding. Direct current methods of electrochemical characterization were utilized to obtain insights into corrosion behavior. The alloys tested showed no signs of breakdown, and with the addition of niobium the passivation potential decreased.

Key words: conference papers, 2017 conference papers, titanium, niobium, corrosion