Two approaches can be taken when designing properties of the native oxide layers formed on Ti-based biomedical materials: (i) changing the chemical composition of the substrate by adding biocompatible, valve alloying elements, and (ii) changing the microstructure of the substrate—especially its level of defectiveness—through large plastic deformation. However, especially in the aggressive fluoridated oral environment, it is still unknown what factor is more effective in terms of enhancing oxide layer protectiveness against biocorrosion: (i) the presence of valve alloying elements, or (ii) a high number of structural defects. To gain knowledge about the separate influence of both of these factors, surface properties were examined for commercially pure Ti and Ti–Nb–Ta–Zr alloy in microcrystalline state as well as after multiple-pass cold rolling, a process that can be readily scaled up to the industrial level. This study showed that while valve-alloying elements and structural defects individually have a beneficial effect on Ti oxide layer properties in fluoridated medium, they not have to act in a synergistic manner. These findings have to be taken into account when designing future Ti-based dental materials together with analyzing their mechanical performance with respect to mechanical strength and elastic properties.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.