Evaluation of the effect of surface modification of Ti64 and 316 L by addition of calcium phosphate through electrical discharge machining process

Abstract

In this investigation, the EDM process was applied to modify the surfaces of Ti-6Al-4 V alloy and AISI 316 L steel by the formation of hydroxyapatite coatings with the objective of providing a favorable environment for osseointegration of implants. The EDM process has the advantage of simultaneously machining and increasing surface roughness increasing surface contact area with bone tissue and implant anchorage. The hydroxyapatite coatings were formed during EDM currents of 30 A and 40 A with calcium phosphate additions. The coatings were analyzed in terms of hardness, roughness, surface profile, wear and tribological characteristics (pin on disk) and were characterized SEM/EDS and XRD. It was possible to show that on all processed surfaces the development of apatite coatings was achieved. Coating thickness and hardness were approximately 120 µm, 700HV and 12 µm, 300HV for the Ti-alloy and stainless steel, respectively. On both substrates, a significant increase in surface roughness was observed after EDM. The pin on disk tests revealed that the coefficient of friction varied from 0.54 to 0.80, and superior wear resistance of the coating formed on the AISI 316 L steel.