Effect of current density on copper incorporation into TiO2 coating of Ti-30Nb-5Mo alloy via micro-arc oxidation

• Grant number: 25/05867-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Physical Metallurgy
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Roberto Grandini
• Grantee: Gustavo da Silva Diniz
• Supervisor: Vicente Amigo Borras
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Universitat Politécnica de Valéncia (UPV), Spain
• Associated to the scholarship: 24/08094-9 - Effect of current density on copper incorporation in TiO2 coating of Ti-30Nb-5Mo alloy via micro-arc oxidation, BP.IC

Abstract

Titanium and its alloys are widely used as metallic biomaterials due to their excellent characteristics, such as biocompatibility, corrosion and wear resistance, and good mechanical properties. Their application in the medical field includes a variety of devices, including needles, pins, screws, and orthopedic, dental, and cardiovascular implants. However, these materials are classified as bioinert, can trigger infections, and have limitations regarding rapid osseointegration, which contributes to the increase in cases of implant failure. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the impact of the current density applied during the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) process on the incorporation of copper into the surface of the Ti-30Nb-5Mo alloy in order to improve the osseointegration properties, corrosion, and wear resistance of this biomaterial, as well as confer bactericidal properties, without compromising its cytotoxicity. To this end, the ingots will be melted in an arc furnace under a controlled argon atmosphere. This will be followed by surface treatment using the MAO technique, which uses an electrolytic solution containing calcium, phosphorus, and copper. The treated surfaces' composition, morphology, and topographic properties will be analyzed. This BEPE project seeks to add one more analysis to the original project: the wear resistance of the coatings produced.