Characterization of different materials for corrosion resistance under simulated body fluid conditions

A systematic characterization study has been carried out on different materials such as commercial purity titanium, Ti–6Al–4V, 316L stainless steel, and a cobalt-based alloy under simulated body fluid conditions at 37 °C. Breakdown potential, corrosion rates, pitting/crevice corrosion resistance, and the ability to form protective oxide scales were evaluated and compared. The advantages of the titanium alloy over other materials were highlighted. An attempt has also been made to study the suitability of titanium alloy, IMI 834, for biomedical applications. AC impedance measurements were also carried out in order to provide supportive evidence for the above results.