Bio-functional high performance coatings of titanium and magnesium alloys for biomedical applications

[Over the past few years, progress in orthopedic surgery has helped to improve the quality of life. Approximately 4.5 million procedures related to joint replacement and fracture repair are performed worldwide each year. However, serious complications still occur mostly due to implant loosening or infection. Surface treatments and coatings have been major research axes to address those problems. In this study, bio-active oxide coating containing silver particles on a titanium medical grade Ti-6Al-4V alloy and the development of a CaP bio-active oxide coating are reported. Both materials coatings were obtained by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO). Corrosion of magnesium W4 alloy was investigated in vitro by electrochemical methods in solutions replicating the body's environment. In addition also gas formation of W4 was also quantified. In order to correlate in-vitro corrosion to in-vivo degradation animal studies were performed. A dedicated approach to identify and construct suitable traumatological implants made of magnesium was also undertaken and a suitable manufacturing process on an industrial scale was established. The results lead to the conclusion that in order to effectively tailor and control the biodegradation of titanium and magnesium implants, bio active PEO coatings are essential for biomedical implants.