Microstructural, mechanical, electrochemical, and biological studies of an electron beam melted Ti-6Al-4V alloy

Abstract

This work studied the feasibility of an electron beam melting (EBM) Ti-6Al-4V alloy as a biomaterial for implants. Comparisons were made with a wrought forged Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The objective of this work was a detailed description of the microstructural and surface roughness effects on mechanical, electrochemical, and in-vivo biological performances. The EBMed condition showed higher mechanical properties, as well as higher electrochemical and ion release rates. These results were mainly influenced by the lamellar grain morphology and complex crystallographic texture of the EBMed alloy compared to the forged one. The higher area average roughness of the EBMed condition boosted the adhesion, proliferation, and biofilm formation of osteosarcoma (MG63), Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis), and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The mechanical, ion release, corrosion, and in-vivo biological results in both studied conditions met the requirements for orthopedic and dental biomaterials. However, the forged condition is more recommended for patients with clinic stories related to S. epidermidis and S. aureus illnesses.