Influence of Anodizing Conditions on Biotribological and Micromechanical Properties of Ti–13Zr–13Nb Alloy

Abstract

The biomedical Ti–13Zr–13Nb bi-phase (α + β) alloy for long-term applications in implantology has recently been developed. The porous oxide nanotubes’ (ONTs) layers of various geometries and lengths on the Ti–13Zr–13Nb alloy surface can be produced by anodizing to improve osseointegration. This work was aimed at how anodizing conditions determinatine the micromechanical and biotribological properties of the Ti–13Zr–13Nb alloy. First-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), and third-generation (3G) ONT layers were produced on the Ti–13Zr–13Nb alloy surface by anodizing. The microstructure was characterized using SEM. Micromechanical properties were investigated by the Vickers microhardness test under variable loads. Biotribological properties were examined in Ringer’s solution in a reciprocating motion in the ball-on-flat system. The 2D roughness profiles method was used to assess the wear tracks of the tested materials. Wear scars’ analysis of the ZrO2 ball was performed using optical microscopy. It was found that the composition of the electrolyte with the presence of fluoride ions was an essential factor influencing the micromechanical and biotribological properties of the obtained ONT layers. The three-body abrasion wear mechanism was proposed to explain the biotribological wear in Ringer’s solution for the Ti–13Zr–13Nb alloy before and after anodizing.

Synthesis, Physicochemical Characterization and Applications of Advanced Nanomaterials

“…The influence of anodizing conditions on the biotribological and micromechanical properties of Ti–13Zr–13Nb alloy was reported by Stróz et al [ 19 ]. The porous oxide nanotubes’ layers of various geometries and lengths on the Ti–13Zr–13Nb alloy surface can be produced by anodizing to improve osseointegration, which shows that Vickers microhardness determined under variable loads changed depending on the type of electrolyte and applied voltage–time parameters of electrochemical oxidation.…”

“…By anodizing, first-generation, second-generation, and third-generation oxide nanotubes layers were produced on the Ti–13Zr–13Nb alloy surface. Vickers microhardness decreased from 181(5) to 252(6) and from 254(3) to 221(3) with the increasing load for second-generation and third-generation oxide nanotube layers, respectively, compared to the alloy substrate [ 19 ]. The kinetic coefficient of friction determined based on the friction coefficient took the smallest value of 0.86(8) for the second-generation oxide nanotubes’ layer.…”

“…The kinetic coefficient of friction determined based on the friction coefficient took the smallest value of 0.86(8) for the second-generation oxide nanotubes’ layer. The highest coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.94(1) was characterized by the surface of the first-generation oxide nanotubes’ layer [ 19 ]. Based on the results obtained, a three-body abrasion wear mechanism was proposed for biotribological wear of the Ti–13Zr–13Nb alloy before and after anodizing in Ringer’s solution.…”

“…Wear scars’ analysis of the ZrO 2 ball was performed using optical microscopy. It was found that the composition of the electrolyte with the presence of fluoride ions was an essential factor influencing the micromechanical and biotribological properties of the obtained oxide nanotubes’ layers [ 19 ].…”

Biological Activity and Thrombogenic Properties of Oxide Nanotubes on the Ti-13Nb-13Zr Biomedical Alloy

“…It should show very good corrosion resistance and no adverse impact of degradation on the surrounding body cells. Ensuring high biocompatibility has become the reason for a far-reaching reduction of the content of harmful elements in metallic biomaterials [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. The literature discusses in detail the influence of the excess of some biocompatible elements in the human body on human organs and tissues, such as DNA damage and mutations, carcinogenicity, and metal sensitivity [8].…”