Achieving controlled topography and wettability through laser surface texturing of Ti6Al4V for bioengineering applications

The global rise of dental and orthopedic implant treatments in the twenty-first-century appeals to researchers for further investigations. The situation is worsening as the rate of failure and revision treatments are considerable. Inadequate osseointegration and infections are the significant causes of the problem. To address the issue laser surface texturing is proficient to modulate surface topography, morphology, wettability, and chemical characteristics. To date, the implant surface features are not configured to receive an optimal response for early bone healing through cell adhesion and proliferation. Experimental design to investigate optimal responses of Ti6Al4V surface by texturing it with nanosecond Nd: YAG 1064 nm laser is carried out. The evolved research surface methodology model resulted in an efficient parametric relationship with 98.5%, 98.87%, and 96.99% R-2 values for 'kerf width', 'Rz', and 'kerf width to Rz' ANOVA analysis respectively. The ANN approach shows more accuracy than the RSM approach for the prediction of 'kerf width', 'Rz', and 'kerf width to Rz'. The experiment was performed to attain control in the range of water contact angle 40 degrees to 119 degrees as hydrophilic (theta <= 90) nature is prominently favorable for cell adhesion and proliferation. The Lower 'kerf width to Rz ratio' and higher Rz inclined towards hydrophobicity. An increment in carbon content also assists in rising contact angle. LST improves the Ti oxide layer which is considered a more corrosion-resistive and biocompatible layer. This study will certainly help to develop improved stability and life of dental and orthopedic implant surfaces.