Surface enhancement of Ti-6Al-4V fabricated by selective laser melting on bone-like apatite formation

Abstract

Medical grade Ti–6Al–4V implants fabricated using selective laser melting (SLM) are recognized as a commercial biomaterial used for bone repairs and fracture fixation. However, there have been cases of failed bone remodeling and implant infections caused by deficient osteointegration. To improve osteogenesis, the Ti implants are treated by acid-etching. This study focused on the effect of surface treatment by using different percentages of sulfuric acid (H2SO4), hydrochloric acid (HCL), and hydrofluoric acid (HF) on the SLM Ti–6Al–4V. The microstructure and surface topography before and after treatment were evaluated. Then, the presence of a thicker anatase layer that was detectable on the surface was also observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The apatite-forming capabilities which indicated a sample bioactivity were assessed in simulated body fluid (SBF) for periods of 3 days and 7 days. The apatite formed on the surface of sample and XRD scanning revealed the deposition of Ca/P, suggesting successful bone-like apatite. The study discovered that these surface improvements were appropriate for the SLM Ti–6Al–4V prior to clinical applications and were likely to yield higher levels of osseointegration.