Abstract:The effects of thermal treatments on the structure, mechanical properties, wear resistance, and in vitro corrosion protection in artificial saliva (AS) were investigated for a newly developed Ti20Nb13Zr (TNZ) alloy. XRD and SEM analyses were used for structural and microstructural analysis. The in vitro corrosion properties of the samples were investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and linear polarization resistance techniques up to an immersion time of 168 h. The tribological characteristics were evaluated with a linear reciprocating tribometer. SEM analysis showed that solution treatment and aging influenced the size and distribution of α phase. The air-cooled and aged samples exhibited the highest microhardness and macrohardness, for which the wear resistances were 25% and 30% higher than that of the untreated sample, respectively. The cooling rate significantly influenced the corrosion resistance of the TNZ samples. The treated samples showed a reduced corrosion rate (50%) for long immersion time up to 168 h in AS. The furnace-cooled and aged samples exhibited the highest corrosion resistance after 168 h of immersion in AS. Among the treated samples, the aged sample showed enhanced mechanical properties, wear behavior, and in vitro corrosion resistance in AS.

Key words: heat treatment; Ti-based alloy; microstructure; mechanical properties; wear; corrosion; biomaterials