This investigation reports the results of linear polarization of hot upset Ti-6Al-7Nb bar samples. Current-potential curves recorded in Hank’s solution were analyzed by correlating characteristics of passivation and microstructures obtained after processing. Results have shown that it is important to select temperature process and deformation rate as parameters when more noble potential values are required. Low deformation rate facilitates the formation of beta phase that is retained in the structure at room temperature shifting the corrosion potential to more positive values. However, samples hot compressed from 750°C to 1030 °C showed passive layer stability over a wide range of potentials extending from -0.15 V to 1.75 V vs SCE . Furthermore, passive films grown onto the Ti-6Al-7Nb samples surfaces have shown no sign of rupture for the processing conditions selected for this study.
titanium alloys; metallic prothesis; corrosion of titanium alloys; prosthetic materials
