Electron beam surface remelting enhanced corrosion resistance of additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V as a potential in-situ re-finishing technique

Abstract

This study explores the effect of surface re-finishing on the corrosion behavior of electron beam manufactured (EBM) Ti-G5 (Ti-6Al-4V), including the novel application of an electron beam surface remelting (EBSR) technique. Specifically, the relationship between material surface roughness and corrosion resistance was examined. Surface roughness was tested in the as-printed (AP), mechanically polished (MP), and EBSR states and compared to wrought (WR) counterparts. Electrochemical measurements were performed in chloride-containing media. It was observed that surface roughness, rather than differences in the underlying microstructure, played a more significant role in the general corrosion resistance in the environment explored here. While both MP and EBSR methods reduced surface roughness and enhanced corrosion resistance, mechanical polishing has many known limitations. The EBSR process explored herein demonstrated positive preliminary results. The surface roughness (Ra) of the EBM-AP material was considerably reduced by 82%. Additionally, the measured corrosion current density in 0.6 M NaCl for the EBSR sample is 0.05 µA cm−2, five times less than the value obtained for the EBM-AP specimen (0.26 µA cm−2).

Insight into synergetic effects of serum albumin and glucose on the biodegradation behavior of WE43 alloy in simulated body fluid

“…screws and plates) fabricated with these alloys are used for temporary fixation of fractured bone; however, a second surgery is required to remove the temporary implants [1]. Localized cell death, excessive fibrotic tissue formation, and longlasting inflammation can also result from the release of toxic metals from metallic biomaterials, such as Ni, Cr, V, and Co [3][4][5][6][7][8][9].…”

Albumin Protein Impact on Early-Stage In Vitro Biodegradation of Magnesium Alloy (WE43)

“…By examining the SKPFM map in Figure d, it is evident that the LSP phases exhibit a higher electrical surface potential compared to the α-Mg (matrix). This observation holds true even when considering the negligible influence of differences in surface roughness on the surface potential values. , Furthermore, SEM/EDXS maps confirm the presence of small-sized, bright spots with the highest surface potential, which align with the Zr-rich regions.…”

“…This observation holds true even when considering the negligible influence of differences in surface roughness on the surface potential values. 42 , 43 Furthermore, SEM/EDXS maps confirm the presence of small-sized, bright spots with the highest surface potential, which align with the Zr-rich regions.…”

Corrosion, fatigue and wear of additively manufactured Ti alloys for orthopaedic implants

“…Interestingly, Shahsavari et al [154] found that corrosion resistance in AM Ti-6Al-4V is improved with decreasing surface roughness, which can be achieved using techniques such as electron beam surface remelting. However, this may be undesirable as a decreased surface roughness will be detrimental in aiding bone ingrowth and decrease bone adhesion.…”

“…This is mainly owing to the increased surface roughness in AM Ti–6Al–4V components. The inherent irregularities on the surface of AM components are due to the solidification of the melt pool, leading to partially melted powder particles [153] on the component surface, which are in the range of 10–60 μ m in diameter for SLM powders and 50–150 μ m for EBM powders [154]. Furthermore, the layer-by-layer deposition in AM causes surface defects such as the stair-step effect [155].…”