Bulk and surface design of MAO-treated Ti-15Zr-15Mo-Ag alloys for potential use as biofunctional implants

This study investigated the effect of silver addition and micro-arc oxidation (MAO) treatment on the microstructure, selected mechanical properties, and surface characteristics of the Ti-15Zr-15Mo (wt%) alloy. The ingots were produced by argon arc-melting and subsequently subjected to thermomechanical treatments and surface modification. Phase composition and microstructure of the samples exhibited only the β phase. The samples possessed better mechanical biocompatibility (in terms of Vickers microhardness and Young's modulus) than some commercial biomedical materials. MAO-treated surfaces exhibited a porous morphology and were mostly covered by TiO2 (anatase). Bioactive elements (Ca, P, and Mg) were incorporated into the oxide layer and inserted an apatite forming ability in the samples. These results indicated the great potential of the samples for use as biomedical implants.