Selective laser melting of Ti6Al4V alloy: Effects of graphene-TiO2 nanotubes composites corrosion and biocompatibility

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2024-12, Vol.1008, p.176710, Article 176710
• Main Authors: Acar, M.T., Çomaklı, O., Arslan, M.E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biocompatibility; Corrosion; Graphene; TiO2 nanotube
• ISSN: 0925-8388
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2024.176710

This study investigates the effects of graphene amount on TiO2 nanotubes (TNT) synthesized on Ti6Al4V alloy via selective laser melting (SLM) to optimize corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. XRD analysis indicated the presence of anatase and rutile phases in TNTs, and the peak shifts indicated that graphene was successfully incorporated into the TNT structure. SEM images revealed that increasing the amount of graphene resulted in smaller nanotube diameters, increased contact angles, and imparted hydrophobic properties. Corrosion tests including Tafel polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed that graphene, especially C4-TNTs, exhibited superior corrosion resistance with high Ecorr and Rt values. Biocompatibility tests with human dermal fibroblast cells (HDFa) demonstrated cell viability with the incorporation of graphene into TNTs. The findings suggest that the optimum amount of graphene can significantly improve the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of TiO2 nanotubes on Ti6Al4V alloy, making them more suitable for biomedical implants. [Display omitted] •Graphene-TNTs on Ti6Al4V alloy enhance corrosion resistance significantly.•XRD and SEM confirm graphene incorporation and reduced TNT diameters.•C4-TNTs show the highest corrosion potential (-0.21 V) and lowest current density.•Graphene increases hydrophobicity; C4-TNTs reach a 135° contact angle.•Cell viability improves by 35 % with C4-TNTs, showing high biocompatibility.