Surface modification of Ti-alloy based bone implant by sandblasting

Abstract

Surface roughness is specifically known as an important factor in osteointegration of implant material. Sandblasting is a common procedure used to increase surface roughness. This research investigates the effect on surface roughness of Ti-alloy implants due to different sandblasting parameters. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of distance, as well as the type of sandblasting media on surface roughness and surface appearance. Ti-alloy test pieces are prepared and divided into several groups. The distance is varied to 2 cm and 4 cm, with fixed 100 psi air pressure. Various sandblasting media is utilized including Brown Aluminum Oxide, White Aluminum Oxide, and Glass bead. Surface roughness and surface appearance before and after sandblasting have been investigated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Contaminants from sandblasting media are examined using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The results of the research show that variations in the sandblasting parameters (distance and sand-media) affect the average surface roughness (Ra) and contaminant appears on the surface of the test piece.