Electrochemical response of Ti joints vacuum brazed with TiCuNi, AgCu, and Ag fillers
(1. CMEMS-UMinho, Center of MicroElectroMechanical Systems, University of Minho, Guimar？es, Portugal;
2. IBTN/Euro, European Branch of the Institute of Biomaterials, Tribocorrosion and Nanomedicine, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minho, Guimar？es, Portugal;
3. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minho, Guimar？es, Portugal)
2. IBTN/Euro, European Branch of the Institute of Biomaterials, Tribocorrosion and Nanomedicine, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minho, Guimar？es, Portugal;
3. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minho, Guimar？es, Portugal)
Abstract: The properties of the joints are dictated by the nature, distribution, and morphology of the phases formed at the interface. The mechanical properties of brazed joints are well documented in the literature, contrarily to their electrochemical behaviour. Thus, the main objective of this study was to understand the influence of the phases formed at the interface on the corrosion behaviour of commercially pure Ti brazed joints, produced by using TiCuNi, eutectic AgCu, and Ag filler foils. The electrochemical behaviour of the Ti joints was accessed by open circuit potential and potentiodynamic polarization tests in phosphate buffer saline solution electrolyte at body temperature. Results showed that Ag-based fillers induced susceptibility to micro-galvanic corrosion between the Ag-rich and Ti phases formed at the interface and commercially pure Ti base metal. However, no significant differences were observed between the joint system and the base material when brazing with TiCuNi filler.
Key words: biomaterial; titanium; joining; brazing alloys; interface; microstructure; corrosion