title: Plasma electrolytic oxidation coatings on γTiAl alloy for potential biomedical applications.
abstract: In an attempt to enhance the potential of gamma titanium aluminide intermetallic alloy as a biomaterial, its surface characteristics were successfully modified using a calcium and phosphorous rich electrolyte through the application of plasma electrolytic oxidation. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to characterize the morphology and topographical features of the resulting coating while X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to determine the surface oxide composition. The mechanical properties of the surface coating were characterized by nanoindentation studies. The results observed show the formation of a submicron scale porous structure and a concomitant increase in the surface roughness. The surface oxide was composed of rutile and anatase phases. Composition gradients of Ca and P were also present which can possibly enhance the biomaterial application potential of this treated surface. Nanoindentation measurements indicate the formation of a fairly compact oxide during the process.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, 00681.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lara Rodriguez
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Sundaram
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rosim-Fachini
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Padovani
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Diffoot-Carlo
mesh_terms: D000497:Alloys / Q000737:chemistry*; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000737:chemistry*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D000497:Alloys; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; C528635:titanium aluminum alloy
keywords: Ti-Al intermetallics; biomedical applications; plasma electrolytic oxidation; surface modification