Influence of microstructure and alloying elements on corrosion behavior of Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy

This work reports the effect of heat treatment on the corrosion behavior of Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy in Ringer's solution. The microstructural evolution of various phases after beta solution treatment (betaST) and alpha + beta solution treatment (alpha + beta ST), is studied using optical microscope, electron probe microanalysis and XRD techniques. Corrosion behavior of the solution treated samples is studied in Ringer's solution using open circuit potential-time measurements and cyclic polarization. Corrosion studies reveal that, the heat-treated samples with depletion of Nb to very high levels in alpha phase exhibit inferior corrosion behavior. Amongst all the heat-treated samples investigated, the water quenched alpha + beta ST specimen exhibit superior corrosion resistance due to the even distribution of the alloying elements in the three phases, namely alpha, alpha" and beta. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.