Corrosion behaviour of PEEK or β-TCP-impregnated Ti6Al4V SLM structures targeting biomedical applications
(1. Center for Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (CMEMS), University of Minho (UMinho), 4800-058 Guimar？es, Portugal;
2. MIT Portugal Program, School of Engineering, University of Minho, Guimar？es, Portugal;
3. Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Rua General Norton de Matos, Apartado 4133, Leiria, Portugal;
4. IBTN/Br – Brazilian Branch of the Institute of Biomaterials, Tribocorrosion and Nanomedicine, UNESP, Campus de Bauru, Av. Eng. Luiz Edmundo Carrijo Coube, 14-01, 17033-360, Bauru, SP, Brazil)
2. MIT Portugal Program, School of Engineering, University of Minho, Guimar？es, Portugal;
3. Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Rua General Norton de Matos, Apartado 4133, Leiria, Portugal;
4. IBTN/Br – Brazilian Branch of the Institute of Biomaterials, Tribocorrosion and Nanomedicine, UNESP, Campus de Bauru, Av. Eng. Luiz Edmundo Carrijo Coube, 14-01, 17033-360, Bauru, SP, Brazil)
Abstract: Ti6Al4V cellular structures were produced by selective laser melting (SLM) and then filled either with beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) or PEEK (poly-ether-ether-ketone) through powder metallurgy techniques, to improve osteoconductivity and wear resistance. The corrosion behavior of these structures was explored considering its importance for the long-term performance of implants. Results revealed that the incorporation of open cellular pores induced higher electrochemical kinetics when being compared with dense structures. The impregnation of β-TCP and PEEK led to the creation of voids or gaps between the metallic matrix and the impregnated material which also influenced the corrosion behavior of the cellular structures.
Key words: Ti6Al4V cellular structures; corrosion; multimaterial design; poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK); beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP)