Biocompatibility of uncoated and diamond-like carbon coated Ti–20%Hf alloy

AbstractBiocompatibilities of uncoated and diamond like carbon (DLC) coated Ti–20%Hf alloy have been investigated by means of 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell viability quantification using flow cytometry. For comparison, similar tests were performed for pure Ti, Hf, and V as well as a commercial orthopaedic alloy, Ti–6Al–4V. Under the test conditions used, the biocompatibilities of uncoated and DLC coated Ti–20%Hf alloy, pure Hf, and Ti–6Al–4V alloy were comparable to that of pure Ti, a metal known for its superior biocompatibility, while pure V clearly exhibited the lowest biocompatibility of all the materials that were evaluated. The addition of Hf to Ti resulted in significant solid solution strengthening and at 20%Hf concentration the hardness of this alloy was comparable to that of the Ti–6Al–4V alloy. Ti–Hf alloys and wear resistant, low friction DLC coatings may either be used in conjunction with or may independently hold promise for orthopaedic implants and possibly other biomedical applications.