Magnesium, silicon, and hydroxyapatite deposition on the Ti-xNb-2Ag-2Pt alloy by co-sputtering after nanotube formation

Abstract In this study, to improve the material properties and biocompatibility of Ti alloys, Ti-xNb-2Ag-2Pt alloy was prepared by adding niobium (Nb), silver (Ag), and platinum (Pt). The surface was treated by anodization, and surface treated alloy was coated with HA, Mg, and Si through magnetron sputtering. Ti-xNb-2Ag-2Pt alloys were based on a Ti-2Ag-2Pt alloy, and the Nb content was changed to 10, 30, and 50 wt%. The nanotubes were formed by anodization in 1 M H3PO4 and 0.8 wt% NaF electrolyte, following which the sample was coated by RF-and DC-magnetron sputtering using HA, Mg, and Si targets. The surface morphology and material properties of Ti-xNb-2Ag-2Pt alloys were analyzed by optical microscopy (OM), nano-indentation tests, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). In the case of Ti-xNb-2Ag-2Pt alloys, the martensitic and needle-like structure decreased and the equiaxed structure increased with increasing Nb content. The elastic modulus of Ti-50Nb-2Ag-2Pt alloys was lower than that of Ti-10Nb-2Ag-2Pt alloys. As the Nb content increased, the shape of the nanotubes changed irregularly and nanotube diameter of Ti-xNb-2Ag-2Pt alloys decreased. Also, nanotube diameter after co-sputtered Mg and Si on HA coated surface decreased compared to only HA deposited nanotubes.