Improving Cellular Behaviour of Low Modulus Ti-Alloy by Controlling Anodizing Parameter

Abstract

The behaviour of biomaterial is widely related to its surface characteristics. Studies indicated that rough surfaces enjoy more clinical success and display more bioactivity than their polished counterparts. In line with this and the commanding effect the anodization parameters have on the overall surface roughness, the effects of the anodization parameter on bioactivity of low modulus Ti-13Mo-2Fe were investigated. Two electrodes in fluoride based organic electrolyte anodization process was used at varying anodization potential and time. At lower potential, no current flow and/or nanopores were seen even after 24hr of anodization time. However, by increasing the potential to 60V at a sweep rate of 50mV/s, the field generated was sufficient to form nanotubes (64.11 ± 2.7 nm) with enormous improvement in average surface roughness. The surface was hydrophilic to cell material and promising bioactivity as attested by good bone-forming ability after 28 days of immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF). It can be concluded that, desired surface aimed at enhancing the bioactivity of low modulus Ti alloy can be achieved under suitable anodization conditions.