Preparation and characterization of titania thin films for corrosion resistance enhancement

• Main Author: Chor, Phillip Yiu Fai.
• Other Authors: School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Materials::Composite materials
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/54161
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This report will focus on aspect pertaining to surface modification of titanium to enhanced corrosion resistance. Unlike many other metals, titanium has the ability to withstand material corrosion when subjected to harsh conditions on the seabed. Nonetheless, every metal, including titanium has limiting properties and does not have zero tolerance towards corrosion. This report will present a detailed analysis and evaluation of the two methods, Thermal Oxidation and Anodisation. It is done by exploring effects of temperature and voltage towards corrosion resistance. By leveraging on the power of the chemical properties, this can lead to a new discovery of the optimum parameters, thus enhancing the durability of titanium. In this project, pure titanium samples are heated to temperatures of 400oC, 600oC and 800oC for thermal oxidation. On the other hand, pure titanium samples are subjected to voltage inputs of 200 V and 300 V for anodic oxidation. The thickness of TiO2 thin film will be accessed with reference to the oxide thickness measurement done by the instrument, Calotest, and the extent of track wear is conducted by the Pin-On-Disk Tribometer before allowing for more accurate analysis using the Alpha IQ Surface Profiler. Microscopic images are used to investigate the physical properties of the thin films due to wear tracks. Molecular composition of TiO2 thin films will be closely examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). X-ray Diffraction (XRD) will focus on the synthesis of nano-crystalline anatase or rutile phase of TiO2 thin films by thermal and anodic oxidation. Lastly, anodised and thermally oxidised samples will be subjected to simple immersion test, followed by corrosion test conducted using the Galvanostat with selected voltage of 10mV. The report will then conclude with inference from the results obtained, hence, identifying optimal condition to qualify for constructive effects on enhancing corrosion resistance of titanium.