The Materials and Processes for Medical Devices (MPMD) Conference and Exposition (August 8-10, 2011) of ASM

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Wednesday, August 10, 2011 - 11:00 AM

Wear and Corrosion Performance of Isotropic Superfinish Medical Grade Titanium

R. Benson, REM Research Group, Brenham, TX

Titanium and related alloys have been utilized in implant materials and medical devices since the 1950’s. However, concerns over in vivo surface stability continue into the new millennium. These concerns include premature corrosion and wear and elemental leaching of titanium (Ti), aluminum, vanadium, nickel, and other potentially cytotoxic trace elements into body tissue. Hence, many methods of surface finishing and surface modifications were developed to control these issues. Experimental results indicate that the isotropic superfinish (ISF) method imparts a randomly textured surface that is devoid of the stress raisers that are conducive to physiological wear and corrosion. Moreover, increased residual compressive stress further reduces wear. Initial empirical data of ISF Ti alloy surfaces versus as received control samples exhibit superior stability in simulated body fluid (SBF).