Influence of microstructure and alloying elements on corrosion behavior of Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy

Abstract

This work reports the effect of heat treatment on the corrosion behavior of Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy in Ringer's solution. The microstructural evolution of various phases after beta solution treatment (βST) and alpha + beta solution treatment (α+β ST), is studied using optical microscope, electron probe microanalysis and XRD techniques. Corrosion behavior of the solution treated samples is studied in Ringer's solution using open circuit potential-time measurements and cyclic polarization. Corrosion studies reveal that, the heat-treated samples with depletion of Nb to very high levels in alpha phase exhibit inferior corrosion behavior. Amongst all the heat-treated samples investigated, the water quenched α+β ST specimen exhibit superior corrosion resistance due to the even distribution of the alloying elements in the three phases, namely α,α^″and β.