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Nanostructured β-type titanium alloy fabricated by ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification
Mehdi Kheradmandfard1, Seyed Farshid Kashani-Bozorg2, Chang-Lae Kim3
1School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran; Center for Nano-Wear, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, South Korea.
Ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM) significantly enhanced the hardness of titanium (Ti) alloys by creating a gradient nanostructured layer. This surface treatment also improved mechanical properties and promoted bioactivity for better bone regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Surface Engineering
Background:
- Beta-type Ti-Nb-Ta-Zr (TNTZ) alloy is a key material for biomedical implants due to its excellent biocompatibility.
- Enhancing the surface hardness and mechanical properties of TNTZ alloys is crucial for improving implant performance and longevity.
- Current surface modification techniques may not fully address the need for both enhanced mechanical integrity and bioactivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM) on the surface characteristics and mechanical properties of TNTZ alloy.
- To evaluate the potential of UNSM for improving the bioactivity and bone regeneration capabilities of TNTZ implants.
- To analyze the microstructural evolution and deformation mechanisms induced by UNSM.
Main Methods:
- The TNTZ alloy surface was treated using the ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM) technique.
- Microstructural analysis was performed to characterize the surface layer, including lamellar structures and subgrains.
- Surface hardness was measured using Vickers hardness testing.
- The subsurface region was examined for the presence of deformation twins.
Main Results:
- UNSM treatment generated a gradient nanostructured (GNS) layer with nanoscale lamellae (60-200nm) and nanostructured subgrains.
- The hardness of the UNSM-treated surface increased to approximately 385HV, a significant rise from the untreated alloy's 190HV.
- Highly dense deformation twins were observed 40-150µm below the surface, contributing to work hardening and improved mechanical properties.
- UNSM treatment created surface micropatterns, potentially enhancing bioactivity and bone regeneration.
Conclusions:
- UNSM is an effective method for significantly enhancing the surface hardness and mechanical properties of TNTZ alloys.
- The formation of a GNS layer and deformation twins are key mechanisms behind the observed improvements.
- The surface micropatterns generated by UNSM suggest potential benefits for TNTZ implant bioactivity and osseointegration.
