On the increasing of adhesive strength of nanotube layers on beta titanium alloys for medical applications

•The nanostructured surface on Ti–36Nb–6Ta alloy was prepared by anodic oxidation.•The nanotubes properties were modified by electrochemical process parameters.•The composition and mechanical properties of the anodized surface were investigated.•The adhesive strength of the nanostructures was over 30MPa. The nanostructuring of titanium and its alloys surfaces is used inter alia for increasing the medical implants osseointegration. Many papers about this topic were published. However, in most cases there were no informations about nanostructures adhesion to the surface, which is crucial from the application point of view. The aim of this study was to prepare nanostructures on titanium beta alloy and optimized its adhesion to the alloy surface. Nanotubes were formed by anodic polarization in electrolyte containing fluoride ions. The composition of the nanotubes was described by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Nanostructures adhesion was tested by pull-of method. The nanotubes on the Ti–36Nb–6Ta beta alloy surface were prepared by anodization. The nanostructures properties were modified by electrochemical process parameters. The adhesion of the nanotubes prepared in this work was satisfactory for implantological applications.