Biocompatibility and Corrosion of Microplasma-Sprayed Titanium and Tantalum Coatings versus Titanium Alloy

Abstract

This study investigates the in vitro biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and adhesion strength of a gas abrasive-treated Ti6Al4V alloy, alongside microplasma-sprayed titanium and tantalum coatings. Employing a novel approach in selecting microplasma spray parameters, this study successfully engineers coatings with tailored porosity, roughness, and over 20% porosity with pore sizes up to 200 μm, aiming to enhance bone in-growth and implant integration. This study introduces an innovative methodology for quantifying surface roughness using laser electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, facilitating detailed morphological analysis of both the substrate and coatings. Extensive evaluations, including tests for in vitro biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and adhesive strength, revealed that all three materials are biocompatible, with tantalum coatings exhibiting superior cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation, as well as the highest corrosion resistance. Titanium coatings followed closely, demonstrating favorable osteogenic properties and enhanced roughness, which is crucial for cell behavior and attachment. These coatings also displayed superior tensile adhesive strengths (27.6 ± 0.9 MPa for Ti and 28.0 ± 4.9 MPa for Ta), surpassing the ISO 13179-1 standard and indicating a robust bond with the substrate. Our findings offer significant advancements in biomaterials for medical implants, introducing microplasma spraying as a versatile tool for customizing implant coatings, particularly emphasizing the superior performance of tantalum coatings in terms of biocompatibility, osteogenic potential, and corrosion resistance. This suggests that tantalum coatings are a promising alternative for enhancing the performance of metal implants, especially in applications demanding high biocompatibility and corrosion resistance.

Influence of Thickness on the Structure and Biological Response of Cu-O Coatings Deposited on cpTi

“…All the disadvantages mentioned above depend mostly on the surface properties of the alloy and can be overcome by an appropriate technology for surface modification. There exist several methods for the modification of the surface of metals and alloys, including thin film deposition [12,13], surface treatment by high energy fluxes (electron beam [14][15][16], laser beam [17,18], etc. ), and so on.…”

Microstructure and Properties of Ti6Al4V Surface Processed by Continuous Wave Laser in Different Atmospheres

“…And then it is difficult for the toxic alloy elements to diffuse into the human body [20]. As a result, the biocompatibility and bioactivity of titanium implants are improved [21].…”