Preparation, characterization, corrosion behavior and bioactivity of Ni2O3-doped TiO2 nanotubes on NiTi alloy

• Published in: Electrochimica acta Vol. 70; pp. 382 - 393
• Main Authors: Hang, Ruiqiang, Huang, Xiaobo, Tian, Linhai, He, Zhiyong, Tang, Bin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 30.05.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Annealing; Applied sciences; Bioactivity; Biological and medical sciences; Corrosion; Corrosion mechanisms; Corrosion prevention; Exact sciences and technology; Intermetallics; Medical sciences; Metals. Metallurgy; Nanotubes; Nickel base alloys; Nickel compounds; Nickel titanides; Nickel–titanium; Shape memory alloys; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Technology. Biomaterials. Equipments; Titanium compounds; Titanium dioxide; Wettability; Wettability; Bioactivity; Corrosion; Nickel–titanium; Nanotubes; Titanium IV Oxides; Titanium alloy; Scanning electron microscopy; Nanotube; Doped materials; Annealing temperature; X ray; Surface structure; Corrosion resistance; Anodizing; Morphology; Nickel III Oxides; Nickel-titanium; Surface properties; Photoelectron spectrometry; Biomaterial; Nickel alloy; Binary alloy; Modified material
• ISSN: 0013-4686; 1873-3859
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2012.03.085

Electrochemical anodization has become a prevalent surface modification method for biomaterials nowadays. In this study we prepared Ni2O3-doped TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) on NiTi alloy using electrochemical anodization method and explored its suitability for biomedical applications. Morphology, composition and microstructure of NT films were found to depend on preparation conditions. NT film prepared at 35V, 45°C and 10min had well-defined nanotubular architecture and were composed of TiO2 and a small amount of Ni2O3. Annealing at 450°C, the film remained amorphous structure, with excellent corrosion resistance. At annealing temperatures of 600°C, rutile crystalline was formed thus enhanced the bioactivity of the film. Formation of NT film on the surface of NiTi alloy also increased its wettability, especially for 600°C annealed sample, so the biological response is expected to be improved. Our results indicate that annealing the NT film coated NiTi alloy at 450°C is desirable for cardiovascular applications. This attributes to its advantages such as the eliminated toxic F species, enhanced corrosion resistance and reduced risk of calcification. For orthopedic applications, annealing at 600°C is preferred due to its enhanced corrosion resistance and bioactivity.