Electrodeposition of Zn/TiO2 coatings on Ti6Al4V produced by selective laser melting, the characterization and corrosion resistance

Abstract

Recently, additive manufacturing techniques have begun to be implemented extensively in the production of implants. Ti6Al4V alloy is a material of choice for implants due to its low density and high biocompatibility. Recent research, however, has demonstrated that Ti6Al4V alloy emits long-term ions (such as Al and V) that are hazardous to health. Surface modifications, including coating, are therefore required for implants. The electrodeposition method was utilized to deposit Zn-doped TiO2 onto the surfaces of Ti6Al4V samples, which were manufactured via the selective laser melting method. The effects of processing time, amount of TiO2 addition, microstructure of anode materials, and resistance to wear and corrosion were investigated. The coating hardness and thickness increased with increasing processing time and TiO2 concentration. It has been observed that the addition of TiO2 to zinc anode coatings results in an increase in wear and a decrease in corrosion rate. It was noted that the specimens exhibiting the most significant wear also possessed the highest hardness value. The specimens were generated utilizing a graphite anode, underwent a 30-min processing time, and comprised 10 g l(-1) of TiO2.