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The Effects of Low-Temperature Plasma Nitriding on Surface Properties of Implant Grade Titanium Alloy

This paper focuses on original research of low- temperature plasma nitriding of Ti6Al4V ELI (Extra Low Interstitial) titanium alloy, originally intended for fashioning of endoprosthetic bone implants. One of more interesting concepts in devising ever improved bone implants accepts the surface of the implant as its most important part. The bulk material (Ti6Al4V ELI) is proven to be more than satisfying, which leaves different surfaces of implants to be adapted to their specific functions. With that said plasma treatments seem very appealing – especially the treatment of plasma nitriding as it is known to not affect the bulk of the material. Specimens were prepared, and plasma nitriding was done at 600 °C. Subsequently, untreated and treated samples were compared over a variety of surface properties recognized to be of significance for supporting osseointegration, which was the main objective of this work. Abovementioned treatment of Ti6Al4V ELI alloy resulted in some interesting effects considering roughness, corrosion resistance in saline, new phase’s occurrence as well as changes in wettability – all of which may justify its potential use on implants surfaces intended for osseointegration.

Ti6Al4V ELI, titanium alloy, implants, plasma nitriding, osseointegration

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