• Wierzchoń, Tadeusz
• Tarnowski, Michał
• Kajzer, Wojciech
• Grzeszczuk, Ola
• Kaczmarek, Marcin
• Nowińska, Katarzyna
• Kajzer, Anita

Abstract

The paper presents the results of physicochemical and mechanical properties of the Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy with surface modi-fied by formation of a diffusive nitrocarburized layer deposited in a low-temperature plasma process. The main aim of the study was toevaluate the influence of steam sterilization and exposure to Ringer’s solution on the utility properties of the alloy. Methods: Based onthe study of the microstructure, roughness, wettability, resistance to pitting corrosion, ion infiltration and mechanical properties, theusefulness of the proposed method of surface treatment for clinical application was proven. Results: Deposition of the nitrocarburizedlayer increased the surface roughness and surface hardness, but also reduced the contact angle, and corrosion resistance with respect tothe polished surfaces. The nitrocarburized layer is a barrier against the infiltration of ions to the solution and sterilization and exposure toRinger solution have greater effect on the physicochemical properties rather than on the mechanical ones. Conclusion: It was found thatsterilization, and exposure to Ringer’s solution greatly affect the change of physicochemical properties rather than mechanical propertiesfor both nitrocarburized layers and the Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy of mechanically polished surface.

Topics

• Deposition
• impedance spectroscopy
• microstructure
• surface
• pitting corrosion
• hardness
• titanium