Electrochemical Anisotropy of Nanostructured Titanium for Biomedical Implants

The effect of surface pre-treatment on electrochemical anisotropy of nanostructured Ti rods with a strong fiber texture produced for dental implants by a complex severe plastic deformation route was studied in Hank's solution using DC and AC electrochemical tests. Ti ion release has been quantified by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The HF/HNO3-pickling produces a similar electrochemical behaviour in both transverse and circumferential surfaces of nanostructured Ti rod. The electrochemical anisotropy of HF-pickled nanostructured Ti is considerable due to a significant difference in roughness of the prismatic and basal planes, resulting in increased release of Ti4+ ions from basal planes. Electrochemical anisotropy is further enhanced in the presence of D-glucose in Hank's solution. It is recommended to avoid HF-pickling of nanostructured Ti implants in favour of HF/HNO3-mixtures. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.