Surface carbonization of titanium for abrasion-resistant implant materials

Carbide layer was formed on the surface of Ti by heating in hydrocarbon atmosphere (benzene C6H6) at 1000-1400 degrees C using a high frequency induction heating method. Physical and mechanical properties of carbide-coated Ti were investigated to examine its potential as an abrasion-resistant implant material. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the surface of Ti was covered with fine grains of 1-4 mu m diameter, depending on heating conditions. In addition, carbide layer of about 1-25 mu m thickness was observed on the cross-section of specimens by SEM and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Vickers hardness of surface carbide was found to be more than 2000. Further, Martens scratch test and ultrasonic scaler abrasion test showed that the indentation depth and width of carbide-coated Ti were much smaller than pure Ti, thereby confirming its high abrasion resistance. These results showed that for Ti implant materials that require high abrasion resistance, such as the abutment for dental implants, surface carbide coatings would be an effective means to improve their wear properties.