LASER ASSISTED SURFACE MODIFICATION OF Ti–6Al–4V FOR BIOIMPLANT APPLICATION

The present study aims at enhancing the wear resistance of Ti–6Al–4V by laser surface nitriding. Laser surface treatment has been carried out by melting of the sand blasted Ti–6Al–4V substrate using a high power continuous wave Diode laser with nitrogen as shrouding environment (at a gas flow rate of 51/min). Laser surface nitriding led to formation of dendrites of titanium nitrides. The microhardness is improved to a maximum of 900–950 VHN (Vickers hardness number) in laser surface nitriding as compared to 260 VHN of the as-received substrate. Surface nitriding increased primary potential for pit formation (Epp1) as compared to Ti–6Al–4V. Biocompatibility behavior showed a better cell viability due to surface nitriding as compared to the as-received Ti–6Al–4V.