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Published on: August 5, 2021
Effect of surface treatment on unalloyed titanium implants: spectroscopic analyses
D V Kilpadi1, G N Raikar, J Liu
1Department of Biomaterials, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294, USA. kilpadi@atax.eng.uab.edu
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research
|May 23, 1998
Summary
Surface treatments impact unalloyed titanium (Ti) implant characteristics. Passivation effectively removes surface phosphorus and alters oxide layers, crucial for surgical implant performance.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Materials Engineering
Background:
- Understanding the surface chemistry of surgical implants is critical for biocompatibility and performance.
- Titanium (Ti) is a widely used biomaterial, but its surface properties can be influenced by finishing and sterilization processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of various finishing and sterilization procedures on the surface characteristics of unalloyed titanium.
- To analyze the chemical composition and oxide layer formation on titanium surfaces subjected to different treatments.
Main Methods:
- Surface analysis using Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman Spectroscopy.
- Comparison of five treatment groups: cleaning, passivation, and different sterilization cycles.
Main Results:
- All treatments resulted in TiO2 as the primary surface oxide, with minor Ti2O3 and TiO components.
- Significant carbonaceous substances were present on all surfaces.
- Initial cleaning with phosphoric acid left residual phosphorus (phosphate and hydrogen phosphate groups) and associated water.
- Nitric acid passivation removed phosphorus, and sterilization without passivation led to thicker oxide and phosphorus profiles.
- Raman spectroscopy indicated an amorphous oxide structure.
Conclusions:
- Surface treatments significantly alter the chemical composition and oxide structure of unalloyed titanium.
- Passivation is effective in removing phosphorus residues and modifying the titanium oxide layer, potentially influencing surface energy and implant performance.
- The presence of carbon, oxygen, phosphorus, and nitrogen correlates with surface energy, highlighting the importance of surface chemistry in biomaterial applications.
