Investigation of wettability using contact angle measurements and geometric discrepancy analysis of heat-treated pure titanium grade 2

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the wettability characteristics applied to the surface of heat-treated pure titanium grade 2. Titanium is widely used for applications in implants produced by incremental sheet forming (ISF), where the 3D model resulting from tomography was used to produce the part. Since the ISF process creates residual stresses in the sheet, heat treatments were applied to relieve them. Also analyzed were roughness, researching what the literature recommends to enable surface wettability. Tests were conducted to assess geometric discrepancy using 3D scanning. The results obtained prove the efficacy of the experiment in assessing wettability as a characteristic of bioactivity, which is necessary for applications involving the human body. In addition, geometric discrepancy analysis enables the prosthesis to be used with the best esthetic and functional comfort possible.