Development of bactericidal coatings on titanium alloy produced by additive manufacturing

• Grant number: 24/02618-6
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: October 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Physical Metallurgy
• Principal Investigator: Kaio Niitsu Campo
• Grantee: Kaio Niitsu Campo
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Mecânica (FEM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Alessandra Cremasco ; Éder Sócrates Najar Lopes

Abstract

The interest in additive manufacturing processes has significantly increased in recent years, primarily due to the numerous advantages they offer compared to more traditional methods, such as casting and plastic forming. The primary advantage of additive manufacturing is its capability to produce parts with intricate geometries and high flexibility, facilitating the production of customized components. This aspect is particularly pertinent to the titanium orthopedic/dental implant industry, where shapes tailored to the defective regions of bones can be readily manufactured. However, despite additive manufacturing processes enabling the production of optimized implants concerning geometry and microstructure, infections, an inherent risk in all surgical procedures, can jeopardize implant surgeries and thus disrupt the entire bone tissue recovery process. Consequently, this project endeavors to develop bactericidal coatings on a Ti-20Nb-6Ta alloy (wt%) processed using the laser powder bed fusion technique, achieved through the electrodeposition of Cu-Ag alloys followed by heat treatment. The objective is to establish and consolidate an effective and accessible method for functionalizing the surface of titanium orthopedic/dental implants, thereby imparting antimicrobial properties to them. This contribution carries significant scientific and technological implications, potentially serving as a foundation for enhancing medical products and enhancing the quality of life for those in need. (AU)