Abstract
Objective. Surface and mechanical properties of titanium alloys are integral for their use in restoring bone defects of skull and face regions. These properties are affected by the method of constructing and surface treatment of the titanium implant. This study aimed to investigate the effects of titanium finishing protocols on the surface morphology, hardness and biocompatibility of TiA16V4.
Methods. Square shaped TiA16V4 specimens (ASTM F68) (10 x 10 x 0.5 mm) were divided into seven groups of different surface treatments (n = 10). The treatments included mechanical polishing, sandblasting with AL(2)O(3) (50 mu m), immersion in different acids, and/or electrochemical anodization. Weight loss %; 3D micro-roughness; Knoop micro-hardness, and osteoblast cell attachment and proliferation (after 3 days) were determined for each specimen. Data was analysed using one way ANOVA and Dunett T3 post-hoc tests, and t-test (p < 0.05).
Results. Weight loss % was in the range of 1.70-5.60 as mechanical polishing produced the highest weight loss, followed by sandblasting, and combined protocol of mechanical polishing and acid treatment (p < 0.05). Micro-roughness values (mu m) were in the range of 2.81-16.68. It was the highest for control specimens (p < 0.05), and smoothest surfaces after combined mechanical polishing and acid treatment; or after electro-chemical treatment (p < 0.05). Micro-hardness values (MPa) ranged 170.90-442.15 as sandblasting with/without acid treatment caused statically significantly the highest values (p < 0.05) while control and mechanically polished specimens had the lowest values (p < 0.05). All treatments produced equally biocompatible surfaces (p > 0.05) after 1 h or 3 days. Furthermore, osteoblast cell proliferation statistically significantly increased after 3 days among each surface treatment (p < 0.05). (C) 2018 The Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.