Optimization of electrolytic anodization of Ti-6Al-7Nb surfaces

Abstract

Increased life expectancy leads to the increasing use of metallic prostheses. Titanium and its alloys are the most widely used materials for metallic prostheses thanks to their biocompatibility, but further work still necessary to improve bioactivity and reduce osseointegration problems. Developing nanostructured titanium dioxide (TiO2) coatings increases the biocompatibility of titanium prostheses. Using the electrolytic anodizing process, nanostructures can be achieved easily and economically. This project aims to optimize the voltage and anodizing time conditions to obtain titanium dioxide nanotubes on the surface of Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy, as well as to propose ideas for industrial implementation of the project. To this purpose, a market study, a project implementation plan and a technical and economic feasibility analysis were carried out. An electron microscope image processing method and a rigorous statistical analysis have been studied to obtain an average pore diameter quantify the effect of the studied variables. Potentials of 15, 30 and 60 volts and anodizing times of 15 and 30 minutes were studied. The effect of the concentration of fluoride ions and the type of cathode used in anodizing has also been studied. The optimum conditions for the smallest pore size we have found are anodizing at 15V and 15 minutes, with a grid cathode. With these conditions, an average pore diameter of 0,48 ± 0,05 μm was obtained.