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

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 TiO 2 onto the surfaces of Ti6Al4V samples, which were manufactured via the selective laser melting method. The effects of processing time, amount of TiO 2 addition, microstructure of anode materials, and resistance to wear and corrosion were investigated. The coating hardness and thickness increased with increasing processing time and TiO 2 concentration. It has been observed that the addition of TiO 2 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 TiO 2 .