A Novel Approach to Produce Metal–Metal Composites by Leveraging Immiscibility: Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Nanosilver‐Dispersed Titanium

Abstract

The antimicrobial properties of silver ions are well known and effectively utilized in various biomedical applications. The efficacy of silver‐containing materials, particularly in terms of antimicrobial activity, heavily relies on the oxidizing surface, favoring nanosized silver features. However, producing such structures is challenging due to the high probability of miscibility in the liquid phase. Developing Ti–Ag composite alloys using the laser powder bed fusion technique with supported titanium powders and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) represents a novel research pursuit, with no prior investigations reported. Incorporating AgNPs into titanium forms nanoislands, directly enhancing the antimicrobial efficacy of biomedical components. In this study, it is aimed to explore the solubility limit of silver in titanium and the feasibility of achieving finely dispersed silver islands. Experimental findings reveal that incorporating AgNPs into Ti‐based alloys results in discrete silver islands (0.01–0.02 μm2) within the microstructure, governed by the solubility limit of silver in titanium. In this study, valuable insights into producing components with augmented biocompatibility and proven antibacterial properties against Staphylococci infections are offered. The successful development of Ti–Ag composite alloys, featuring finely dispersed silver islands, opens promising avenues for biomedical applications, enhancing their antibacterial characteristics and improving patient outcomes.