Influence of substrate material and coating thickness on biomechanical stress distribution

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of TiO₂ coating thickness on the mechanical performance of metallic substrates 316L stainless steel and Ti6Al4V, commonly used in biomedical applications. A finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted to evaluate stress and pressure distributions under varying coating thicknesses during simulated mechanical loading. The analysis aimed to optimize coating parameters to enhance stress resistance and load distribution while minimizing potential substrate failure. Results revealed that increasing TiO₂ coating thickness significantly alters the stress profile and pressure distribution, with specific thicknesses providing optimal load-bearing capabilities. Ti6Al4V demonstrated superior mechanical performance compared to 316L under identical conditions, attributed to its higher strength-to-weight ratio. The findings highlight the critical role of coating thickness and substrate material selection in improving mechanical reliability and longevity of biomedical implants. This study provides valuable insights for designing durable and efficient coated metallic biomaterials, paving the way for advanced applications in the medical field.