Enhanced Biotribological and Anticorrosion Properties and Bioactivity of Ti6Al4V Alloys with Laser Texturing

Abstract

The poor biotribological properties and bioinertness of Ti6Al4V have restricted its application in biomedical materials. In this study, microgrooves of different widths were prepared on the surface of a Ti6Al4V alloy by laser treatment. The tribological properties under dry lubrication and simulated body fluid (SBF) lubrication conditions, the electrochemical corrosion properties in SBF solution, and the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) behavior on the surfaces were systematically tested. The corresponding mechanisms were discussed. The results showed that Ti6Al4V with a microgroove width of 45 μm (Ti64-45) exhibited excellent wear resistance with decreasing wear rates of 89.79 and 85.43% under dry friction and SBF lubrication compared to the Ti64 sample, which might be due to the increase of surface microhardness. Moreover, the excellent anticorrosion performance of Ti64-45 was attributed to the grain refinement on the titanium alloy surface with a lower volume fraction ratio of β phase to α phase. In addition, the microgrooves with a width of 45 μm are more conducive to BMSC proliferation and adhesion, related to promoting cell signal transduction due to cell extrusion. These studies imply that the microgroove structures are potential for application in the medical field.