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Corrosion of 3D-Printed Orthopaedic Implant Materials

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Abstract

3D-printing technologies such as electron beam melting (EBM) have allowed for patient-specific orthopaedic implants, however differences generated from the fabrication process may alter the corrosion properties of Ti6Al4V implants. This study evaluated the corrosion characteristics of EBM-fabricated Ti6Al4V, alongside any linked microstructural and surface changes. EBM-fabricated Ti6Al4V and wrought Ti6Al4V specimens (n = 10 per group) underwent microstructural and surface characterisation before and after corrosion testing. Cyclic potentiodynamic polarisation of specimens was conducted in accordance with ASTM Standard F2129-17. The degree of corrosion damage was subsequently assessed via qualitative and quantitative measures. EBM-fabricated Ti6Al4V demonstrated a higher proportion of β phases and greater surface roughness, compared to wrought Ti6Al4V. Significant differences were observed for all corrosion parameters between the two groups. The lower breakdown potentials (Eb) for EBM-fabricated Ti6Al4V (2.035 V), compared to wrought Ti6Al4V (3.667 V), indicate a lower resistance to pitting corrosion. A greater resultant spread, and severity of corrosion damage was noted on wrought Ti6Al4V. An inferior in vitro corrosion resistance was observed for EBM-fabricated Ti6Al4V. Without post-processing, the rougher surface and differences in microstructure are likely to contribute to this. This suggests potential clinical implications upon in vivo implantation, although corrosion measures remain above recommended minimums.

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  1. Surgical and Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Level 1, Clinical Sciences Building Gate 6, Prince of Wales Hospital, Avoca Street, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia

    Dominic Mah, Matthew Henry Pelletier, Vedran Lovric & William Robert Walsh

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  1. Dominic Mah
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Correspondence to Matthew Henry Pelletier.

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Associate Editor Andreas Anayiotos oversaw the review of this article.

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Mah, D., Pelletier, M.H., Lovric, V. et al. Corrosion of 3D-Printed Orthopaedic Implant Materials. Ann Biomed Eng 47, 162–173 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-018-02111-1

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