Influence of electrical parameters on morphology of nanostructured TiO2 layers developed by electrochemical anodization

Abstract

Ti6Al4V alloy micro rough surfaces with TiO₂ self-organized nanostructured layers were synthesized using electrochemical anodization in phosphate/fluoride electrolyte, at different end potentials (5V, 10V, 15V, and 20 V). The current – time characteristics were recorded, and the link between current evolution and the morphology of developing oxide layers was investigated. On flat surfaces of Ti6Al4V alloy we developed TiO₂ layers with different morphologies (random pores, nanopores of 25…50 nm, and highly organized nanotubes of 50…100 nm in diameter) depending on electrical parameters of anodization process. In our anodization cell, in optimized conditions, we are able to superimpose nanostructured oxide layers (nanotubular or nanoporous) over micro structured surfaces of titanium based materials used for biomedical implants.