Ultra-structural evaluation of an anodic oxidated titanium dental implant

Anodic oxidation is used for the surface treatment of commercial implants to improve their functional properties for clinical success. Here we conducted ultrastructural and chemical investigations into the micro- and nanostructure of the anodic oxide film of a titanium implant. The anodic oxidized layer of a Ti6Al4V alloy implant was examined ultrastructurally by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). They were also analyzed using energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The TEM revealed that the oxide layer of the Ti6Al4V implant prepared through anodic oxidation was separated into two layers. Al and V were not present on the top surface of the anodic oxide. This can be attributed to the biocompatibility of the anodic oxidized Ti6Al4V alloy implant, because the release of harmful metal ions such as Al and V can be suppressed by the biocompatibility.