Tribological, electrochemical and in vitro biocompatibility properties of SiC reinforced composite coatings. (5th April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Das, Mitun; Balla, Vamsi Krishna; Kumar, T.S. Sampath; Bandyopadhyay, Amit; Manna, Indranil
• Is Part Of: Materials & design. Volume 95(2016)
• Page Start: 510
• Page End: 517
• Publication Date: 2016-04-05
• Subjects: Laser processing -- Composite coatings -- Wear resistance -- Biocompatibility; Materials -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Périodiques; Conception technique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2016.01.143
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-1275

Abstract

Abstract: In this work, laser engineered net shaping (LENS™) technique was used to create SiC reinforced titanium matrix composite (TMC) on titanium surface. These composite coatings developed by injecting SiC powder into titanium melt pool, created using a high-power laser. The laser parameters strongly influenced the dissolution of SiC particles leading to formation of TiSi2, Ti5 Si3, and TiC phases along with residual SiC in the composite layers. A graded microstructure, with high concentration of secondary phases on top compared to the bottom region was formed. The reinforcing ceramic phases in the TMC coatings enhanced the wear resistance of titanium by about 100 times. The wear resistance of the composite coatings in physiological environment found to increase with increase in the laser power and concentration of SiC particles injected into the melt pool. These composite coatings also showed better corrosion resistance than Ti. In vitro biocompatibility studies performed using osteoblast (MG63) and fibroblast cells (NIH3T3) demonstrated non-toxic nature of these composite coatings. It is envisioned that such coatings may find applications in articulating surfaces of load-bearing implants to enhance their in vivo lifetime with reduced metal ion release. Graphical abstract: Highlights: SiC reinforced titanium matrix composite coatings were produced on Ti by LENS™ technique. The coatings having graded microstructural features showed superior tribological and electrochemical properties than Ti. In vitro studies showed that the composite coatings are non-toxic.