Development of a novel hybrid Ti6Al4V-ZrO surface with high wear resistance by laser and hot pressing techniques for dental implants.

The development of implant metal-free surfaces has gained attention since non-benefic results have been reported related to the metallic ions released from metal implants to the human body. Ceramic coatings have been proposed as a possible solution however, the detachment of these coatings, during implantation or even in function, can compromise its function. In order to overcome this problem, this work proposes a novel hybrid Ti6Al4V-ZrO surface, starting with laser texturing of the Ti6Al4V substrate by Laser Nd:YV04, followed by the allocation of the zirconia (ZrO) powder and its subsequent sintering by hot pressing process.

Design and surface characterization of micropatterned silica coatings for zirconia dental implants.

The use of zirconia as an alternative biomaterial for titanium implants has been increasing due to its biocompatibility, favorable aesthetic features, less potential for early plaque accumulation and mechanical properties. Despite the developed efforts, strategies to promote an effective osseointegration are still enough. In this sense and combining the silica properties to improve bone formation with the micropatterning guidance characteristics, silica coatings with micropatterns were designed and evaluated regarding their hydrophilicity and integrity through resistance to scratch and friction tests against femoral bone plates (simulating implant insertion).

Novel laser textured surface designs for improved zirconia implants performance.

The development of new surface designs to enhance the integration process between surgically placed implants and biological tissues remains a challenge for the scientific community. In this way and trying to overcome this issue, in this work, laser technology was explored to produce novel textures on the surface of green zirconia compacts produced by cold pressing technique. Two strategies regarding line design (8 and 16 lines design) and different laser parameters (laser power and number of laser passages) were explored to assess their influence on geometry and depth of created textures.

Novel laser surface texturing for improved primary stability of titanium implants.

Recently, the production of well-defined patterned surfaces with random or regular micro and nano-features has brought new opportunities for research and development in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Among advanced micro and nano processing technologies, laser surface texturing (LST) stands out due to its simplicity, flexibility, precision, reproducibility and relatively low cost. This work studies the development of patterned surfaces controlled by of LST into biomedical grade V titanium, Ti-6Al-4V-alloy.

Multi-material Ti6Al4V & PEEK cellular structures produced by Selective Laser Melting and Hot Pressing: A tribocorrosion study targeting orthopedic applications.

Ti6Al4V-alloy is commonly used in dental and orthopedic applications where tribochemical reactions occur at material/bone interface. These reactions are one of the main concerns regarding Ti6Al4V implants due to the generation of wear particles, linked to the release of metallic ions in toxic concentration which occurs when TiO passive film is destroyed by means of wear and corrosion simultaneously. In the present study, a multi-material Ti6Al4V-PEEK cellular structure is proposed.

Ti6Al4V laser surface preparation and functionalization using hydroxyapatite for biomedical applications.

This work presents a novel texture design for implants surface functionalization, through the creation of line-shaped textures on Ti6Al4V surfaces and subsequent sintering of hydroxyapatite (HAp) powder into the designated locations. HAp-rich locations were designed to avoid HAp detachment during insertion, thus guaranteeing an effective osseointegration. This process starts by creating textured lines using a Nd:YAG laser, filling these lines with HAp powder and sintering HAp using a CO laser.

Laser surface structuring of Ti6Al4V substrates for adhesion enhancement in Ti6Al4V-PEEK joints.

PEEK is a promising polymer possessing high mechanical strength and biocompatibility and therefore it can be associated to titanium for biomedical applications. This study aimed at producing Ti6Al4V-PEEK joints with enhanced adhesion through laser-structuring Ti6Al4V treatments. Ti6Al4V cylindrical substrates were prepared by two types of surface treatments: alumina blasting and laser structuring.

Comparison between PEEK and Ti6Al4V concerning micro-scale abrasion wear on dental applications.

In the oral cavity, abrasive wear is predictable at exposed tooth or restorative surfaces, during mastication and tooth brushing. Also, wear can occur at contacting surfaces between the Ti-based prosthetic structures and implants in presence of abrasive compounds from food or toothpaste. Thus, the aim of this work was to compare the abrasive wear resistance of PEEK and Ti6Al4V on three-body abrasion related to different hydrated silica content and loads.

Tribocorrosion behavior of veneering biomedical PEEK to Ti6Al4V structures.

In dentistry, prosthetic structures must be able to support masticatory loads combined with a high biocompatibility and wear resistance in the presence of a corrosive environment. In order to improve the simultaneous wear and corrosion response of highly biocompatible prosthetic structures, a veneering poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) to Ti6Al4V substrate was assessed by tribocorrosion analyses under conditions mimicking the oral environment. Samples were synthesized by hot pressing the PEEK veneer onto Ti6Al4V cylinders.