This research investigates the effects of electrochemical oxidation on surface properties and corrosion performance of the Ti-6Al-4V ELI alloy intended for biomedical applications. Electrochemical anodization is performed in 1 M H2SO4 and 1 M H3PO4 electrolytes at applied potentials of 200, 250, and 275 V for 1 min. Morphological characteristics and chemical constitution of the oxide films are investigated by SEM-EDS analysis, while surface roughness, wettability, and microhardness are evaluated using profilometry, contact angle measurements, and Vickers microhardness testing. Electrochemical behavior is assessed by monitoring free potential (OCP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in Ringer solution and Ringer solution containing 40 g/L hydrogen peroxide. Among the investigated conditions, anodization at 200 V for 1 min provides the most favorable surface morphology, producing well-defined and uniformly distributed nanopores while maintaining the structural stability of the oxide layer. Oxidation in 1 M H2SO4 leads to a more homogeneous nanoporous structure, higher surface roughness, improved hydrophilicity, and increased microhardness compared to 1 M H3PO4 treatment. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis reveals superior corrosion resistance for all oxidized samples in comparison with the untreated alloy. The oxide layers obtained in sulfuric acid exhibit the highest polarization resistance and electrochemical stability in simulated physiological environments.
Benea et al. (Fri,) studied this question.