Laser assisted surface modification of Ti-6Al-4V for bioimplant application

Abstract

The present study aims at enhancing the wear resistance of Ti-6Al-4V by laser surface nitriding. Laser surface treatment has been carried out by melting of the sand blasted Ti-6Al-4V substrate using a high power continuous wave Diode laser with nitrogen as shrouding environment (at a gas flow rate of 51/min). Laser surface nitriding led to formation of dendrites of titanium nitrides. The microhardness is improved to a maximum of 900-950 VHN (Vickers hardness number) in laser surface nitriding as compared to 260 VHN of the as-received substrate. Surface nitriding increased primary potential for pit formation (E_pp1) as compared to Ti-6Al-4V. Biocompatibility behavior showed a better cell viability due to surface nitriding as compared to the as-received Ti-6Al-4V.