The Effect of Post-processing Heat Treatment on the Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Behavior of Ti-based Alloys Fabricated by Additive Manufacturing

Since the last century, titanium-based alloys were considered as promising implant materials due to their superior mechanical properties, good biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. Fabrication through additive manufacturing has broadened the application of Ti-based alloys because of its high efficiency. Generally, proper post-processing techniques are required for additive manufactured alloys to ensure better properties. Some common methods are annealing, and hot isostatic pressing. These processes strongly influence the mechanical properties and microstructure of the products. One of the major failure modes for traditional Ti-based implant alloys is corrosion in biological fluids. The results of corrosion are release of toxic wear particles into the surrounding tissues, loose of prosthesis components or even mechanical failure. In this paper, the results of an experimental investigation on the effect of post-processing heat treatment on the corrosion behavior of Ti-6Al-4V additively manufactured alloy will be presented. The effects of surface finish and microstructure will be emphasized.