Characteristics of Surface Layers of Ti6Al4V Implants

The paper presents the results of influence of surface pretreatment of Ti6Al4V alloy, used for short-term implants in orthopedics, followed by anodic oxidation and steam sterilization on its physical and chemical properties. The pretreatment was a combination of: grinding, vibration machining, mechanical polishing, sandblasting and electrolytic polishing. Studies of surface topography, wettability, hardness and stress profiles of the substrate after various surface treatments were carried out. Furthermore, studies of pitting and crevice corrosion as well as ion release into a Ringer's solution after long-term exposure were also performed. The results show that the pretreatment preceding the anodic oxidation and steam sterilization affects the physical and chemical properties of the surface layer of Ti6Al4V alloy implants. Moreover, they indicate that the use of appropriate methods of pretreatment enable formation of a passive layer characterized by good osteoconductive properties.