Modifying the properties of titanium alloys intended for the fabrication of bone implants

Aim of project
The primary aim of the project is to develop the fundamentals of innovative technologies of the TiO2+TiN+ +Ti2N+αTi(N) type surface layers formed on titanium alloys, in particular Ti6Al4V — an alloy widely used in medicine. The layers will be produced by glow discharge assisted nitriding combined with glow discharge assisted oxidizing conducted in a single technological process, or by glow discharge assisted nitriding combined with the chemical action of a concentrated sodium hydroxide solution.

The layers are of a diffusive character and, hence have good adherence to the substrate, and they will guarantee high biocompatibility and good resistance to corrosion and to frictional wear together with good mechanical properties of titanium alloys. Moreover, they will give titanium alloys the properties essential for bone implants, namely biomimetic properties i.e. the ability of a thin hydroxyapatite layer to form on their surface when the implant is immersed in a simulating body fl uid (SBF), which is due to the chemical reactions that occur on the titanium oxide surface. The biological properties of the layers will be examined in in vitro conditions in contact with human osteoblasts.

Expected results
Developing the foundations of new technologies that permit production of titanium bone implants with controlled biocompatibility and biological activity;

Doctoral dissertation, publication in a scientific journal of international significance;

Possibly the application for a patent.