Comportamento alla corrosione di una lega Ti6Al4V per applicazione biomediche ottenuta tramite additive manufacturing

The Ti6Al4V alloy is the most used to fabricate hip prostheses. Additive Manufacturing technology (AM) leads to obtain parts with geometry reproducing the anatomical shape of the patient through reverse engineering techniques. Moreover, it allows to obtain rough surfaces, which favor the osseointegration. On the other hand, the technology and the post-processing heat treatment modify the alloy microstructure and the passive film, with consequent alteration of the passivity current. The ions released into the human body can lead to allergic reactions, inflammation and chronic intoxication. For this reason, it is important to know the speed of dissolution of the alloy in passive conditions. The aim of this work is to determine the passivity current of the alloy in simulated body solution at 38 °C by means of short (60 hours) and long (2500 hours) potentiostatic tests, obtaining the passivity current in equilibrium conditions.