On the Investigation of Surface Integrity of Ti6Al4V ELI Using Si-Mixed Electric Discharge Machining

Abstract

Surface modification is given vital importance in the biomedical industry to cope with surface tissue growth problems. Conventionally, basic surface treatment methods are used which include physical and chemical deposition. The major drawbacks associated with these methods are excessive cost and poor adhesion of coating with implant material. To generate a bioactive surface on an implant, electric discharge machining (EDM) is a promising and emerging technology which simultaneously serves as machining and surface modification technique. Besides the surface topology, implant material plays a very important role in surgical applications. From various implant materials, titanium (Ti6Al4V ELI) alloy is the best choice for long-term hard body tissue replacement due to its superior engineering, excellent biocompatibility and antibacterial properties. In this research, EDM’s surface characteristics are explored using Si powder mixed in dielectric on Ti6Al4V ELI. The effect of powder concentration (5 g/L, 10 g/L and 20 g/L) along with pulse current and pulse on time is investigated on micro and nanoscale surface topography. Optimized process parameters having a 5 g/L powder concentration result in 2.76 μm surface roughness and 13.80 μm recast layer thickness. Furthermore, a nano-structured (50–200 nm) biocompatible surface is fabricated on the surface for better cell attachment and growth. A highly favourable carbon enriched surface is confirmed through EDS which increases adhesion and proliferation of human osteoblasts.

Supply Chain Operations Management in Pandemics: A State-of-the-Art Review Inspired by COVID-19

“…Whereas additive manufacturing and artificial intelligence technologies are continuously helping SCs to recover from the shock, and continue operations as normal [116][117][118]. Some of the developments in material science also support in terms of bio-support [119][120][121].…”

Surface Characterization and Tribological Performance Analysis of Electric Discharge Machined Duplex Stainless Steel

“…This non-traditional machining technique showed its proficiency for the applications in the manufacturing of aerospace products, moulds, dies, etc [ 3 , 4 ]. The process is also recommended to fabricate the bio-implants owing to its favorable results in orthopedic fields [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. The input process parameters namely pulse-on-time, pulse-off-time, current, dielectric medium, spark gap voltage, type of electrode and polarity (negative or positive) play a momentous role in the machining of diverse materials [ 8 , 9 ].…”

Precision Hard Turning of Ti6Al4V Using Polycrystalline Diamond Inserts: Surface Quality, Cutting Temperature and Productivity in Conventional and High-Speed Machining

“…Titanium-based alloys are attracting considerable attention in a wide range of industries due to their unique mechanical and physical properties [ 1 ]. In particular, they have gained popularity in aircraft engine and airframe manufacture as they offer a strength to weight ratio higher than aluminum or steel, in addition to which they offer excellent corrosion and creep resistance [ 2 , 3 ]. Titanium alloys are widely used in industries where corrosion resistance is important, such as the marine industry to resist seawater corrosion, for components in chemical processing equipment and, increasingly important, in the biomedical industry for prosthetic joints and implants where their low elastic modulus and high strength are added advantages [ 4 , 5 ].…”