Influence of contact frequencies on corrosion behavior of Ti-6Al-4V alloy during fretting in physiological solution

The fretting corrosion behavior of Ti-6Al-4V alloy in contact with a corundum ball was investigated in an artificial saliva solution. The tests were carried out using a reciprocating fretting experimental set-up which was mechanically and electrochemically instrumented, under various solicitation conditions. The effect of contact frequency on corrosion-wear was investigated on the tested material. The fretting corrosion behavior of Ti-6Al-4V alloy was evaluated based on the evolution in open circuit potential (OCP) measured as a function of time. With the onset of fretting it was observed a cathodic shift in OCP, shift which decreases linearly with increasing contact frequency. The wear rate of Ti-6Al-4V alloy is shown to depend on contact frequency observing a decrease in friction coefficient with gradually increases contact frequency. Also the wear morphology and surface profile of the fretted zone were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and non-contact optical profilometer.