Controlled Oxide Deposition Improves Mechanical and Biomedical Applications of Titanium Alloy

Abstract

This chapter explicates information about surface modification techniques to enhance mechanical engineering as well as biomedical engineering applications of titanium and its alloys. Ti6Al4V has some valuable properties like a high strength to weight ratio, high bone cell attachment bone cell proliferation etc., which differentiates it from other materials and alloys. Furthermore, to make it highly reliable for long-term service various additive manufacturing techniques such as anodic oxidation and thermal oxidations are frequently used to improve aesthetical appearance generally utilized in architectural engineering and osseointegration property utilized in medical engineering, etc. Electrolytic concentration, solution temperature, time span, anodic voltage and current density are controlled parameters of the anodization process. 0.5 M sulfuric acid with 10% HF at anodic voltage of 40 V formulates homogeneous nanoporous oxide film of uniform thickness over titanium substrate. Anodization offers high surface hardness as compared to untreated one, almost six times improvement in surface hardness has been observed. Homogeneous nanoporous oxide film facilitates improved bone cell attachment, cell proliferation and osseointegration properties.