Investigating the Potential of As-built SLM-Manufactured Ti6Al4V in SBF Solution for Biomedical Applications

This study explores the in-situ performance of Ti6Al4V alloy fabricated via Selective Laser Melting (SLM) for biomedical applications, with a focus on its corrosion behavior and bioactivity in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF). Ti6Al4V is a widely used implant material due to its favorable biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance. The SLM process further enhances its utility by enabling the production of patient-specific implants with complex geometries and tailored porosity, which improve osseointegration and long-term implant stability. In this work, as-built SLM Ti6Al4V samples were immersed in SBF for 144 h to simulate physiological conditions. Surface morphology and elemental composition were examined using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. Electrochemical testing revealed that the SLM Ti6Al4V exhibited a significantly higher corrosion potential (+ 1200 mV vs. SCE) compared to conventional Ti6Al4V (+ 600 mV), indicating superior resistance to corrosion initiation. Besides, the surface roughness remained stable at 4.1 ± 0.5 μm before and after immersion, reflecting good structural integrity. Additionally, EDS analysis confirmed progressive bioactivity through increased calcium and phosphorus content, consistent with apatite layer formation. These findings demonstrate that SLM-fabricated Ti6Al4V maintains both chemical and mechanical stability in a simulated physiological environment and exhibits favorable surface bioactivity, supporting its application in orthopedic and dental implants without the need for additional post-processing.