Characteristics of Mg-Based Sintered Alloy with Au Addition.

The magnesium-based alloys produced by mechanical alloying (MA) are characterized by specific porosity, fine-grained structure, and isotropic properties. In addition, alloys containing magnesium, zinc, calcium, and the noble element gold are biocompatible, so they can be used for biomedical implants. The paper assesses selected mechanical properties and the structure of the Mg63Zn30Ca4Au3 as a potential biodegradable biomaterial. The alloy was produced by mechanical synthesis with a milling time of 13 h, and sintered via spark-plasma sintering (SPS) carried out at a temperature of 350 °C and a compaction pressure of 50 MPa, with a holding time of 4 min and a heating rate of 50 °C∙min-1 to 300 °C and 25 °C∙min-1 from 300 to 350 °C. The article presents the results of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) method, density, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size distributions, and Vickers microhardness and electrochemical properties via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic immersion testing. The obtained results reveal the compressive strength of 216 MPa and Young's modulus of 2530 MPa. The structure comprises MgZn2 and Mg3Au phases formed during the mechanical synthesis, and Mg7Zn3 that has been formed during the sintering process. Although MgZn2 and Mg7Zn3 improve the corrosion resistance of the Mg-based alloys, it has been revealed that the double layer formed because of contact with the Ringer's solution is not an effective barrier; hence, more data and optimization are necessary.

Modern methods of surface modification for new-generation titanium alloys.

The constantly growing need for the use of implants in osteotomy is mainly due to the aging population and the need for long-term use of this type of biomaterials. Improving implant materials requires the selection of appropriate functional properties. Currently used titanium (Ti) alloys, such as Ti6Al4V and Ti6Al7Nb, are being replaced by materials with better biocompatibility, such as vanadium (V) or niobium (Nb), allowing for creation of the so-called new generation alloys. These new alloys, with the incorporation of zirconium (Zr), iron, and tantalum, possess Young's modulus close to that of a bone, which further improves the improves the biomaterial's. biocompatibility. This article describes the atomic layer deposition (ALD) method and its possible applications in the new generation of titanium alloys for biomedical applications. Also, the exemplary results of tin oxide (SnO2) thin coatings deposited by ALD and physical vapor deposition (PVD) methods are presented. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties of a Ti13Nb13Zr alloy used for elements in the skeletal system. As the temperature and the number of cycles vary, the results demonstrate that the surface area of the samples changes. The uncoated Ti13Nb13Zr alloy exhibits hydrophilic properties. However, all coated specimens improve in this respect and provide improved clinical results. after the applied modification, the samples have a smaller contact angle, but still remain in the range of 0-90°, which makes it possible to conclude that their nature remains hydrophilic. Coating the specimens decreased the mineralization risk of postoperative complications. As a result, the biomaterials demonstrated improved effectiveness, decreased complication indicators, and improved patient well-being.

Evaluation of Bacterial Adhesion to the ZrO2 Atomic Layer Deposited on the Surface of Cobalt-Chromium Dental Alloy Produced by DMLS Method.

The main purpose of the research was to analyze the influence of surface modification of the cobalt-based alloy used in dental prosthetics by applying zirconium oxide (ZrO2) layers using the ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) method. The samples were made using the DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) technique, and their surfaces were prepared in accordance with the principles of removable partial dentures (RPDs). A 50 nm-thick zirconium oxide coating was applied to the prepared substrates. This paper deals with the issues of prosthetic stomatopathy, which is a complex of pathological changes occurring in approx. 40% of the Polish population using removable dentures. Often, these changes, occurring on the mucosa, are related to improper performance, allergic reactions or the multiplication of bacteria on the surface of partial dentures. An innovative method of surface modification was proposed, together with the analysis of its influence on the physicochemical properties of the alloy and the adhesion of bacteria to the surface.

The Influence of ZnO Oxide Layer on the Physicochemical Behavior of Ti6Al4V Titanium Alloy.

Titanium and its alloys are characterized by high biocompatibility and good corrosion resistance as a result of the ability to form a TiO2 oxide layer. However, based on literature data it can be concluded that titanium degradation products, in the form of titanium particles, metal-protein groups, oxides and ions, may cause allergic, inflammatory reactions and bone resorption. The corrosion process of Ti6Al4V in the human body environment may be intensified by a decreased pH and concentration of chloride compounds. The purpose of this article was to analyze the corrosion resistance of the Ti6Al4V alloy, obtained by the selective laser melting method in a corrosion solution of neutral pH and in a solution simulating peri-implant inflammatory conditions. Additionally, the influence of zinc oxide deposited by the atomic layer deposition method on the improvement of the physicochemical behavior of the Ti6Al4V alloy was analyzed. In order to characterize the ZnO layer, tests of chemical and phase composition as well as surface morphology investigation were performed. As part of the assessment of the physicochemical properties of the uncoated samples and those with the ZnO layer, tests of wetting angle, pitting corrosion and impedance corrosion were carried out. The number of ions released after the potentiodynamic test were measured using the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) method. It can be concluded that samples after surface modification (with the ZnO layer) were characterized by favorable physicochemical properties and had higher corrosion resistance.

Selected Physicochemical Properties of Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) Coating on Ti-13Nb-13Zr Alloy Used for Blood Contacting Implants.

Despite high interest in the issues of hemocompatibility of titanium implants, particularly those made of the Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy, the applied methods of surface modification still do not always guarantee the physicochemical properties required for their safe operation. The factors that reduce the efficiency of the application of titanium alloys in the treatment of conditions of the cardiovascular system include blood coagulation and fibrous proliferation within the vessel's internal walls. They result from their surfaces' physicochemical properties not being fully adapted to the specifics of the circulatory system. Until now, the generation and development mechanics of these adverse processes are not fully known. Thus, the fundamental problem in this work is to determine the correlation between the physicochemical properties of the diamond like carbon (DLC) coating (shaped by the technological conditions of the process) applied onto the Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy designed for contact with blood and its hemocompatibility. In the paper, microscopic metallographic, surface roughness, wettability, free surface energy, hardness, coating adhesion to the substrate, impendence, and potentiodynamic studies in artificial plasma were carried out. The surface layer with the DLC coating ensures the required surface roughness and hydrophobic character and sufficient pitting corrosion resistance in artificial plasma. On the other hand, the proposed CrN interlayer results in better adhesion of the coating to the Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy. This type of coating is an alternative to the modification of titanium alloy surfaces using various elements to improve the blood environment's hemocompatibility.

Impact of Surface Treatment on the Functional Properties Stainless Steel for Biomedical Applications.

The main goal of the carried out tests was to analyze the influence of the surface modification of a substrate by depositing composite ZnO layers by the Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) method. The samples were subjected to preliminary surface modification consisting of being sandblasted and electropolished. A ZnO layer was applied to the prepared substrates by the ALD method. As a precursor of ZnO, diethylzinc (DEZ) was used, which reacted with water, enabling the deposition of the thin films. The chamber temperature was as follows: T = 100-300 °C. The number of cycles was 500 and 1500. As part of the assessment of the physicochemical properties of the resulting surface layers, the tests of chemical composition of the layer, pitting corrosion, impedance corrosion, adhesion to the metal substrate, morphology surface, and wettability were carried out. On the basis of the obtained research, it was found that a composite ZnO layer deposited onto a substrate previously subjected to the electrochemical polishing process has more favorable physicochemical properties. Moreover, an influence of temperature and the number of cycles of the deposition process on the obtained properties was observed, where the ZnO layer was characterized by more favorable properties at a temperature of 200-300 °C at 1500 cycles of the deposition process.

The Influence of Hybrid Surface Modification on the Selected Properties of CP Titanium Grade II Manufactured by Selective Laser Melting.

The human body is an extremely aggressive environment in terms of corrosion. Titanium and its alloys are one of the most popular biomaterials used for implant applications due to biocompatibility. However, every element introduced into the body is treated as a foreign body. The human body's immune response may, therefore, lead to implant rejection and the need for reoperation. For this purpose, it seems important to carry out surface modifications by applying coatings and inter alia by texturing to implants. The objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of surface treatment on the chosen properties of the pure titanium (Grade II) samples obtained by selective laser melting (SLM) processing. The samples were divided into five groups: Initial state (after polishing), after surface modification by the physical vapour deposition (PVD) method-CrN and TiN coatings were deposited on the surface of the tested material, and after laser texturing. The paper presents the results of the microscopic investigation, chemical and phase compositions, and physicochemical and electrochemical properties of the tested samples. Based on the results obtained it can be concluded that the hybrid surface modification shows significant effects on the properties of the pure titanium. The samples with the textured PVD-deposited TiN coatings were characterized by favorable physicochemical properties and were the highest performing in terms of pitting corrosion resistance.

Evaluation of physicochemical properties of surface modified Ti6Al4V and Ti6Al7Nb alloys used for orthopedic implants.

The paper presents the results of selected functional properties of TiO2 layers deposited by ALD method on the surface of Ti6Al4V and Ti6Al7Nb alloys intended for implants in bone surgery. TiO2 layer was applied at the constant temperature of the ALD process at T=200°C at a variable number of cycles, which resulted in a different layer thickness. Different process cycles of 500, 1250, and 2500 were analyzed. The application of experimental methods (AFM, SEM, wettability, potentiodynamic test, EIS, scratch test, nanohardness and layer thickness) enabled to select the optimal number of cycles, and thus the thickness of the TiO2 layer of the most favorable functional properties. The obtained results clearly showed that regardless of the type of titanium substrate, the TiO2 layer applied in a 2500cycle ALD process has the best physicochemical and electrochemical properties. These properties have major impact on biocompatibility, and therefore the quality of the final product. The information obtained can be useful for manufacturers of medical devices involved in the production of implants used in reconstructive surgery of skeletal system.

Evaluation of physicochemical properties of SiO2-coated stainless steel after sterilization.

The study of most of the literature devoted to the use of coronary stents indicates that their efficiency is determined by the physicochemical properties of the implant surface. Therefore, the authors of this study suggested conditions for the formation of SiO2 layers obtained with the use of sol-gel methodology showing physicochemical properties adequate to the specific conditions of the cardio-vascular system. Previous experience of authors helped them much to optimize the coating of 316LVM steel surface with SiO2. The values of parameters that determine the usefulness of the coating in medical applications have been determined. In order to identify the phenomena taking place at the boundary of phases and to evaluate the usefulness of the proposed surface modification, taking into consideration the medical sterilization (steam or ethylene oxide (EO)), the potentiodynamic, impedance, adhesion, surface morphology and biological assessment characterizations were performed. Regardless of the usage of the sterilizing agent (steam, EO) the study showed the reduction of critical force causing layer's delamination. The research results of corrosion resistance study also confirmed a slight decrease of SiO2 barrier properties of the samples after sterilization in contact with the artificial plasma. SiO2 layers after the sterilization process did not show significant features of cytotoxicity and had no negative influence on blood cell counts, which confirmed the results of quantitative and qualitative studies.

Comparative characteristics of endodontic drills.

The work concerns the analysis of influence of the wear process of endodontic instruments on the mechanical and physico-chemical properties of the materials from which they are made. A detailed study of the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance in the environment simulating work of the tool was conducted. The research was done for the new Mtwo endodontic files and after six times of use. In addition, the observations with a scanning electron microscope in order to reveal possible damage caused by the impact of a corrosive environment were carried out. The results showed that use of the tool by six times revealed damage at the edges of the blades and may cause a lack of continuity of the cutting line resulting in the uneven distribution of the resistive force which acts on the tool during operation.

The effects of a SiO2 coating on the corrosion parameters cpTi and Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy.

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the usefulness of the sol-gel method application, to modificate the surface of the Ti6Al7Nb alloy and the cpTi titanium (Grade 4) with SiO2 oxide, applied on the vascular implants to improve their hemocompatibility. Mechanical treatment was followed by film deposition on surface of the titanium samples. An appropriate selection of the process parameters was verified in the studies of corrosion, using potentiodynamic and impedance method. A test was conducted in the solution simulating blood vessels environment, in simulated body fluid at t = 37.0 ± 1 °C and pH = 7.0 ± 0.2. Results showed varied electrochemical properties of the SiO2 film, depending on its deposition parameters. Correlations between corrosion resistance and layer adhesion to the substrate were observed, depending on annealing temperature.

Characterization of magnesia-doped yttria-stabilized zirconia powders for dental technology applications.

PURPOSE: This paper is focused on the works concerning preparation of zirconium oxide ceramic blocks recommended for CAD/CAM systems used in prosthetic dentistry for manufacturing fixed prosthetic restorations. METHODS: Zirconium-yttrium-magnesium mixed ceramic oxides were prepared by sol-gel method via hydrolysis and condensation of zirconium alkoxide precursor (zirconium (IV) propoxide) with yttrium and magnesium nitrates diluted in 2-propanol. The aim of this work was to obtain 2% mol yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic powders with magnesium as an additional tetragonal ZrO2 phase stabilizer in amount between 2÷6% mol (with 2% variable). Prepared gels were dried (24 h at 65 °C). Obtained powders were mixed with binder (carboxymethyl cellulose) and uniaxial pressed into specimens with a dimensions 38 × 22 × 6 mm. Afterwards green bodies were sintered in range of temperature between 1350-1550 °C. Powders and blocks were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Specific Area Measurement. RESULTS: Highly homogeneous powders with a low open porosity were obtained. Prepared blocks after sintering showed numerous cracks. Nevertheless blocks were fine grained and showed quite reproducible chemical composition. CONCLUSION: A sol gel wet chemical route of powder synthesis allow us to obtain high homogenous ceramic materials with inconsiderable amount of pores with low variation in dimensions. In spite of a reproducible synthesis methods of a ceramic powders, applied to prepare green bodies procedure and sintering manner do not allowed to obtain zirconia cermic blocks free from cracks.

Influence of hardening and surface modification of endourological wires on corrosion resistance.

Guide wires with suitable functional characteristics are of crucial importance for proper urological treatment. This study presents an analysis of the effect of work hardening taking place in the process of wire cold drawing and the effect of surface modification by means of electrochemical polishing and chemical passivation on the resistance of wires made of X10CrNi18-8 steel used in urology. Corrosion resistance was evaluated on the grounds of the registered anodic polarisation curves by means of potentiodynamic method. The tests were made in solution simulating human urine. Anodic polarisation curves were presented for selected wire diameters. Mechanical properties were tested in a static uniaxial tensile test. The course of flow curve as well as mathematical form of flow stress function were determined. Curves presenting the relation of polarisation resistance as a function of strain applied in the drawing process are given. The tests carried out show that surface modification by means of electrochemical polishing and then chemical passivation of wires used in endourological treatment is fundamental.

Nanomechanical evaluation of nickel-titanium surface properties after alkali and electrochemical treatments.

In this paper, the suitability of alkali treatment followed by heat treatment at 600 degrees C, and spark oxidation for nickel-titanium, intended for medical applications such as pins, wires and clamps, was evaluated on the basis of nanomechanical and wear testing. In addition, the chemical composition and topography of the surface layer, wetting ability, corrosion resistance and influence of the heat treatment on structure of the alloy were also investigated. The results showed that the highest hardness was observed for alkali-treated samples, and this could be correlated with the structure of the sample that contained martensite and a higher phase transformation temperature. This treatment caused a very large increase of nickel in the top layer and decreased resistance in pitting corrosion. These results disqualified the treatment to be considered as useful for medical applications. On the other hand, the hardness of the oxidized samples was at the same level as that obtained for ground reference samples. Moreover, the oxide layer was enriched with phosphorus, and it was predominantly composed of TiO2 and phosphorus oxides. This 3.1 microm thick layer had good adhesion to the substrate as indicated by scratch testing and wear resistant in nanowear testing. However, the oxidation did not significantly increase the corrosion resistance of the alloy compared with reference samples.