ANALYSIS OF PROCESS PARAMETERS ON SURFACE ALTERATION OF TI6AL4V DENTAL IMPLANTS VIA HA-MIXED-EDCLT
Abstract
Titanium is a highly operational alloy for use in dental implants. Surface inertness of the titanium alloy surfaces reduces osseointegrate, raising concerns about implant loosening. Hydroxyapatite (HA)-rich porous titanium surfaces with moderated surface roughness have better osteoconductivity. This study focused on the surface alteration of Ti6Al4V via hydroxyapatite mixed electric discharge-assisted centerless turning (HA-mixed-EDCLT) to find the optimum surface. The experiments were planned based on a four-factor, three-level Box-Behnken design. HA-powder concentration (Cp), revolutions per minute (RPM), duty factor and impulse current (IP) were the input parameters. The Ra value of machined surfaces ranged from 1.12μm to 1.63μm, which is in the bone growth supportive implants range. The average hardness reached 415.8–962.7HV, where untreated surfaces’ hardness was 340±6HV. Porous, hydrophilic coating with a high Ca, P, and O content deposited on the implant surfaces supports the biocompatibility of implants. Analysis of the elements and compounds shows that the machined surface layer is rich with Ca3(PO4)2 and TiO2,which improves the bioactivity of the alloy.
