Investigation of implant properties obtained from implantation of different elements to titanium by using PIII&D method

In this study, for combining the antimicrobial effect of silver and mechanical and chemical properties of titanium nitrate, silver was deposited on the surface of orthopedic implant material Ti6Al4V in nitrogen plasma by using plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition (PIII&D) method. Coatings were formed by considering the values of negative pulsed high voltage, magnetron sputtering voltage and pulse length of applied voltages of PIII&D process. Surface morphologies of formed coatings were determined with atomic force microscopy (AFM), while cross-section morphologies were determined with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Phase and chemical compositions of coatings were determined by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. XPS depth profile analysis were done to reveal the penetration of silver and nitrogen ions in to the surface of specimen. Coherence of E-coli bacteria on the surface of formed coatings were determined with in-vitro experiments. In in-vivo experiments, the surface coated Ti6Al4V orthopedic screws with PIII&D method were implanted via surgical operation in rabbit spinal column and pathological examinations of tissues that were present in the field of implanted screws were done. It was determined that, using higher negative pulsed high voltages than 8 kV decreases silver deposition on the surface of sample and furthermore, increases nitrogen implantation significantly. It was determined that, silver deposition increases with the increase in magnetron sputtering voltage and pulse length of applied voltages and pulse length is more effective than magnetron sputtering voltage in this increase. In-vitro experiments shows that, E-coli bacteria hang on fewer on PIII&D coated sample surfaces. Pathological examinations that were done in in-vivo experiments shows that, obtained coatings can be used in human body.