Nitrogen Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation (PIII) has been used to modify the surface chemical structure of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE). Grinding and polishing processes based on abrasive papers and alumina pastes have been evaluated with regard to their results on the improvement of polymer surface roughness, which has shown to be of crucial importance for hardness characterization. Raman spectroscopy, XPS, and Nanoindentation tests were used to characterize the modified surfaces. Experimental results has shown that UHMWPE surface mechanical properties such as hardness and elastic modulus can be improved by induced chain cross-linking between the macromolecules on the polymer surface caused by nitrogen PIII. The new material formed on the surface is Diamond Like Carbon (DLC). As a significant improvement in hardness was obtained by DLC synthesis on the treated surface, it is expected a dramatic improvement of abrasion resistance and overall durability of prostheses made with PIII treated UHMWPE.

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A dc glow discharge source with controlled plasma potential was developed for application in plasma immersion ion implantation processing of materials surfaces. This type of ion implantation system allows cost effective surface modification of workpieces with complex shapes. The effects of the nitrogen plasma etching during the plasma immersion ion implantation process was studied using Si wafers as monitors, as we varied the externally controlled plasma potential between 0 and 350 V. When the plasma potential is controlled below 70 V, the ion implantation is dominant, otherwise the etching overtakes. The nitrogen implanted silicon wafers were analyzed by high resolution x-ray diffraction and Auger electron spectroscopy which revealed successful implantation of ions with accumulated nitrogen dose of 1.5×1017 cm−2, for the low potential case.

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To improve the performance of critical part components, new methods for surface strengthening are being developed with success, like plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) and hybrid surface treatments mixing PIII and ion nitriding processes. A combination of high pressure (4 × 10 1 P a), moderate temperature (up to 450 o C) glow discharge nitriding with low pressure (8 × 10 −2 P a) and low DC bias voltage ion nitriding (or DC PIII) was implemented. Depending on the particular conditions of the treatment and the depth probed, mixed phases of γN and ε were measured in the treated SS304 steel sample. This near surface modification resulted in an improved hardness (up to a factor of 2.7 ×) of the sample which could also enhance its wear properties. Surface modification of Ti6Al4V alloy and SS304 steel by a combination of PIII and subsequent ion nitriding was investigated as well. Nitrogen ions were implanted into the specimens at 15 keV and then ion nitrided at low pressure (7 × 10 −2 P a) with a bias of -800 V. Compared to the untreated samples, the hardness of Ti6Al4V alloy and the steels could be improved significantly. AES results indicated high retained doses in both samples, confirming the high efficiency of this hybrid process.

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