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Functionalization of the Surface of Ti6Al4V Alloy Samples Printed Using Additive Technology DMLS for Orthopedic
Gabriela Wielgus1, Wojciech Kajzer2, Julia Lisoń-Kubica1
1Department of Biomaterials and Medical Devices Engineering, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Roosevelta 40 Street, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 4, 2026
Summary
Surface modification of additively manufactured Ti64 ELI alloy using titanium nitride (TiN) diffusion layers enhances hardness and abrasion resistance. Sterilization did not significantly impact these improved surface properties for potential implant applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Surface Engineering
Background:
- Additive manufacturing (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) is replacing traditional methods for personalized titanium alloy components, especially implants.
- Current additive manufactured titanium alloys, like Ti64 ELI, exhibit insufficient surface hardness and abrasion resistance for demanding applications.
- Surface modification is crucial to enhance the mechanical properties of additively manufactured titanium alloys for biomedical implants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the properties of surface-modified Ti64 ELI alloy produced via Direct Metal Laser Sintering.
- To investigate the effect of heat treatment and subsequent titanium nitride (TiN) diffusion layer formation on surface properties.
- To assess the impact of steam sterilization on the modified surface characteristics of Ti64 ELI alloy.
Main Methods:
- Ti64 ELI alloy samples were produced using Direct Metal Laser Sintering.
- Samples underwent heat treatment at 800 °C, 910 °C, and 1020 °C, followed by TiN diffusion layer formation under glow discharge.
- Characterization included structural analysis, phase composition, surface topography, wettability, surface energy, corrosion resistance, hardness, and tribological testing, with comparisons between sterilized and unsterilized samples.
Main Results:
- The heat treatment and TiN diffusion layer formation significantly increased surface hardness and abrasion resistance.
- Surface topography, wettability, and surface energy were altered by the diffusion layer, with initial wettability indicating a hydrophobic surface (θav > 106°).
- Steam sterilization had minimal detrimental effects on the enhanced surface properties, including hardness and corrosion resistance.
Conclusions:
- Additive manufactured Ti64 ELI alloy can be effectively surface-modified with TiN diffusion layers to improve mechanical performance.
- The developed surface modification process enhances hardness and abrasion resistance, crucial for implantable devices.
- The TiN surface modification is robust enough to withstand steam sterilization, preserving beneficial properties for biomedical applications.
