Shot peening pre-treatment for nano-nitriding layer formation to enhance wear and corrosion resistance in medical titanium alloys

Abstract

Due to its exceptional biocompatibility, Ti6Al4V finds extensive application in the medical field, particularly in joint replacement and orthopedic surgery. To augment the wear and corrosion resistance of the titanium alloy in physiological environments, SP and PN treatments were applied. This study systematically explores the synergistic impact of SP on PN of titanium alloy through microhardness testing, micromorphology observation, microstructure characterization, as well as wear and electrochemical experiments. The findings reveal that SP refines surface grains, facilitating PN and leading to the formation of a thicker nitride layer on titanium alloy surfaces. Compared to the initial titanium alloy, surface microhardness increases by 51.4 %, and the wear rate experiences a two-order-of-magnitude reduction. Moreover, the SP-PN treatment enhances the electrochemical corrosion resistance of titanium alloys, underscoring its effectiveness in improving the wear and corrosion properties of medical titanium alloys.