Heterogeneous Distribution of Reactivity on Metallic Biomaterials: Scanning Probe Microscopy Studies of the Biphasic Ti Alloy Ti6Al4V

Biphasic titanium alloys are preferred materials for load-bearing metallic implants such as artificial joints. A comprehensive understanding of the electron-transfer behavior of the native oxide layer on these materials is of great significance for improving the biocompatibility of such alloys. The combined use of different scanning probe techniques shows different electronic conductivities and electron-transfer properties of passive layers formed on α and β phases (see figure).