Corrosion of anodic TiO coatings on Ti-6Al-4V in simulated body fluid.

Anodic TiO coatings were produced on Ti-6Al-4V substrates using aqueous electrolytes containing dissolved calcium and phosphorus. Two baths containing Ca and P compounds, in the molar ratios 5 and 15 were used. Different coatings were produced by electrolysis for 3 and 10 h at a constant current density of 10 mA/cm(2). X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence were used to identify the phases and chemical composition respectively. Thickness of the coatings was measured using ellipsometry. Electrochemical polarization and AC impedance studies were performed on the coatings by exposing them to simulated body fluid (SBF) for a period of 1 week. The coating produced by 10-h electrolysis from bath of Ca/P ratio 15 showed low corrosion current and high impedance to the week-long attack of SBF.