Effect of ultrasonic shot peening duration on microstructure, corrosion behavior and cell response of cp-Ti

Surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) of metallic biomaterials has gained significant importance due to its ability to develop nano structure in the surface region. In the present study, the microstructural changes and corrosion behavior of the commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti), following different durations of ultrasonic shot peening (USSP) has been investigated. cp-Ti was shot peened for different durations from 0 to 120 s and the treated samples were examined for microstructural changes in the surface region, cell viability and corrosion behavior. Cell viability was considerably increased after USSP for 60-120 s, exhibiting maximum for the 90 s of USSP. The passivation tendency was also improved with peening duration up to 90 s, however, it declined for longer duration of USSP. The beneficial effects of USSP may be attributed to nano structuring in the surface region and development of higher positive potentials at the USSP treated surface. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) examination of the USSPed surface revealed dislocation entanglement and substructure. Also, higher surface volta potential was observed over the USSPed sample exhibiting better cell proliferation. The present work is corollary to previous work of the group and mainly discusses the role of USSP duration, as a process parameter, on the cell viability and corrosion resistance of cp-Ti.