Effect of Surface Treatments on the Corrosion Behavior of Pure Titanium

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the influence of surface treatments on the corrosion behavior of grade 2 commercially pure titanium (cp‐Ti) in fluoride‐containing environments. Commercially cp‐Ti specimens were anodized in sulfuric acid (H ₂ SO ₄ ) at different voltages and treatment durations to form compact oxide layers. Their corrosion behavior was evaluated using potentiodynamic polarization (PPC) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in Fusayama–Meyer artificial saliva containing fluoride ions. The results showed that anodization significantly improved the corrosion resistance of titanium, with the optimum performance achieved after anodization at 50 V for 15 min. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations revealed that prolonged anodization promoted the formation of cracks and local swelling within the oxide layer, resulting in a reduction in its protective properties. Electrochemical results, supported by surface characterization, demonstrated that the formation of a compact and homogeneous oxide layer is essential for enhancing resistance to fluoride‐induced corrosion. These findings contribute to the optimization of anodization conditions for improving the long‐term corrosion resistance of titanium implants in fluoride‐containing environments.