title: Effect of surface treatment on the dissolution of titanium-based implant materials.
abstract: Titanium and its alloys are widely used in load-bearing implants as a result of their excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, but there is concern over the release of metal ions from the prosthesis. Our research investigated the influence of the surface oxide on the dissolution of the substrate material in saline solution, using a combination of atomic absorption spectroscopy, ellipsometry and transmission electron microscopy techniques. It is demonstrated that a substantial reduction in the release of metal ions may be achieved by ageing the surface oxide in boiling distilled water or by thermal oxidation; this is discussed in terms of the structure of the oxide film.
authors.affiliation: University of Southampton, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wisbey
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Gregson
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Peter
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tuke
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D006358:Hot Temperature; D008422:Materials Testing; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D014025:Titanium