Surface Activity and Fluid Sorption of Titanium Alloys Soaked in SBF Solution

In the paper a study of surface composition and fluid sorption by several titanium alloys immersed in a simulated body fluid is presented. Four materials were investigated: pure titanium, two beta titanium alloys and stainless steel 316L. All the materials were prepared using cold pressing and sintering. Sample plates were submitted to nucleation and growth of calcium phosphates precipitated from SBF solution containing calcium, phosphate and other ions. Analysis with scanning electron microscope has revealed some calcium phosphates aggregates on surfaces of all the alloys. The results indicate that the nucleation and growth of phosphates depend on the alloy composition and the process is more intensive in the case of titanium alloys with niobium additions. On the other hand, this material is characterized by the smallest SBF sorption. Chemical analysis using near infrared spectroscopy indicated a presence of some organic groups on the material surface.