ABRASION RESISTANCE TEST OF THE MODIFIED Ti13Nb13ZrALLOY SURFACE

Abstract

The research describes an atomic layer deposition (ALD) coating method and its application on a new generationof titanium alloy (Ti13Nb13Zr) for biomedical applications. The study aimed to assess the physicochemicalproperties and mechanics of a titanium alloy coated with titanium oxide (TiO2) or aluminium oxide (Al2O3)using the ALD method. The physicochemical properties of the surface coatings were evaluated throughmicroscopic observations, potentiodynamic tests, surface wettability tests, optical profilometry scratch tests,and abrasion tests. Based on the data obtained, different physicochemical properties of the alloy with titaniumnitride and titanium oxide coatings were found. Such differences were dependent on the number of cyclesused and the temperature of the manufacturing process. The coatings have reduced the abrasion coefficient,thus improving the abrasion resistance of the Ti13Nb13Zr alloy, which enables their use within the skeletalsystem. These findings are of practical importance for applying this type of surface modification to varioustypes of miniaturised implants used in the skeletal system.