OBJECTIVEto investigate the corrosion behavior of Ti-Cu alloy in 0.9%NaCl solution and in acidified 0.9%NaCl solution.

METHODSthe microstructure of Ti-Cu alloys were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD). The electrochemical behavior of Ti-Cu alloy in two solutions (namely 0.9%NaCl solution and acidified 0.9%NaCl solution) was tested. Commercial pure Ti and 316L stainless steel were used as control.

RESULTSTi-Cu alloys were composed by α-Ti and Ti(2)Cu intermetallic compound. After 3500 s immersion, the open circuit potential (OCP) values of pure Ti, Ti-5Cu alloy and Ti-10Cu alloy in 0.9% NaCl solution were -188, -181 and -173 mV, respectively. In 0.9% NaCl solution with lactic acid added, the OCP values were -143, -158 and -109 mV, respectively. In potentiodynamic polarization tests, the passive current densities of pure Ti and Ti-5Cu alloys were about 20 µA/cm(2). However, 316L stainless steel experienced pitting corrosion.

CONCLUSIONSit was possible to establish the following relation for their corrosion resistances: pure Ti≈Ti-5Cu > Ti-10Cu > 316L stainless steel. The addition of lactic acid in the solution did not compromise the corrosion resistance of Ti-Cu alloys.