In Vitro Corrosion and Bioactivity Performance of Surface-Treated Ti-20Nb-13Zr Alloys for Orthopedic Applications

Abstract

The influence of surface treatments on the microstructure, in vitro bioactivity and corrosion protection performance of newly fabricated Ti-20Nb-13Zr (TNZ) alloys was evaluated in simulated body fluid (SBF). The TNZ alloy specimens were treated with separate aqueous solutions of NaOH and H2O2 and with a mixture of both, followed by thermal treatment. The nanoporous network surface structure observed in H2O2-treated and alkali-treated specimens was entirely different from the rod-like morphology observed in alkali hydrogen peroxide-treated specimens. XRD results revealed the formation of TiO2 and sodium titanate layers on the TNZ specimens during surface treatments. The water contact angle results implied that the surface-treated specimens exhibited improved surface hydrophilicity, which probably improved the bioactivity of the TNZ specimens. The in vitro corrosion protection performance of the surface-treated TNZ specimens was analyzed using electrochemical corrosion testing in SBF, and the obtained results indicated that the surface-treated specimens exhibited improved corrosion resistance performance compared to that of the bare TNZ specimen. The in vitro bioactivity of the treated TNZ specimens was assessed by soaking in SBF, and all the investigated treated specimens showed numerous apatite nucleation spheres within 3 days of immersion in SBF.

Assessment of Titanate Nanolayers in Terms of Their Physicochemical and Biological Properties

“…Therefore, numerous surface modification techniques are currently used to achieve the desired physical, chemical, or biological properties of the material [ 22 , 23 , 24 ]. The surface modification of substrates made from titanium and its alloys by alkaline treatment is an increasingly commonly used technique [ 25 , 26 , 27 ]. It involves the dissolution in alkaline solution of the TiO 2 passive layer and the production of negatively charged hydrates (HTiO 3 − ⋯ nH 2 O) on the substrate surfaces.…”

Photocatalytic Properties of a Novel Keratin char-TiO2 Composite Films Made through the Calcination of Wool Keratin Coatings Containing TiO2 Precursors

“…However, the hydrophilicity of the alkali-treated TiO2 film was improved to some degree. This was caused by the increased surface free energy resultant from OH − groups and small water contact angle [64]. It is known that the hydrophobic self-cleaning film cannot be resistant to acid and alkali corrosion, resulting in poor waterproof and decontamination performance [63].…”

“…However, the hydrophilicity of the alkali-treated TiO 2 film was improved to some degree. This was caused by the increased surface free energy resultant from OH − groups and small water contact angle [64].…”

Surface Properties and In Vitro Corrosion Studies of Blasted and Thermally Treated Ti6Al4V Alloy for Bioimplant Applications

“…Surface treatment can be performed on biomedical implants to alter their surface wettability and surface energy [ 7 ], and improve osseointegration [ 8 ]. Numerous surface modification techniques have been investigated, including chemical treatment [ 9 ], anodic oxidation [ 10 ], sol-gel [ 11 ], physical vapor deposition [ 12 , 13 ], laser treatment [ 14 , 15 ], ion implantation [ 16 ], and thermal oxidation [ 17 , 18 ]. Thermal oxidation is one of the simplest and most cost-effective processes for producing a barrier layer on Ti alloy.…”