Phenomena of Nano- and Micro-Pore Formation on Ti-(10~50)Ta Alloys by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation for Dental Implants.

In this study, the phenomena of nano and micro-pore formation on Ti-(10~50)Ta alloys by plasma electrolytic oxidation for dental implants was investigated using various experimental techniques. The Ti–xTa alloys having Ta contents of 10, 30, and 50 wt.% were prepared using arc-melting vacuum furnace. Micro-pore formation was performed using a potentiostat in 1 M H₃PO₄ electrolyte by using a potentiostat at various applied voltage (180 V, 210 V, and 240 V). The microstructure of Ti–xTa alloys changed from α′ phase to β + α″ phase with Ta content increased. The applied potential increased, the numbers of micro-pore per unit area decreased, whereas the area ratio of occupied by micro-pores increased. The Ta contents increased, the numbers of micro-pore per unit area decreased, whereas the area ratio of occupied by micro-pores increased at 210 V and 240 V. The thickness of oxide layer and micro-pore size can be controlled by applied potential.