Changes in the Laser-Processed Ti6Al4V Titanium Alloy Surface Observed by Using Raman Spectroscopy

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Titanium alloys like Ti6Al4V are crucial in biomedical and aerospace applications.
• Surface modification is key to tailoring material properties for specific uses.
• Understanding laser-induced surface changes is vital for advanced material design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of pulsed and continuous wave laser treatments on Ti6Al4V surfaces.
• To characterize the resulting surface topography, complexity, and wettability.
• To identify laser-induced titanium oxide phases using Raman spectroscopy.

Main Methods:

• Surface treatment of Ti6Al4V alloy samples using a 1064 nm laser in pulsed and continuous wave modes.
• Surface characterization using Raman spectroscopy to identify titanium oxide phases.
• Wettability assessment via contact angle measurements over time.

Main Results:

• Continuous wave laser treatment produced a rutile TiO2 layer, leading to hydrophobic surfaces 50 days post-treatment.
• Pulsed laser treatment generated localized anatase and brookite TiO2 phases, resulting in hydrophilic surfaces for at least 29 days.
• Contact angles remained measurable for up to 119 days in some cases, indicating persistent surface modifications.

Conclusions:

• Raman spectroscopy effectively identifies surface changes in Ti6Al4V after laser processing.
• Laser treatment parameters significantly influence the resulting titanium oxide phases and surface wettability.
• Tailored laser surface functionalization offers a pathway to control Ti6Al4V alloy hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity.