Surface modification of powder metallurgy titanium by colloidal techniques and diffusion processes for biomedical applications

This contribution focuses on modifying the composition and surface characteristics of powder metallurgy titanium substrates to improve their wear resistance and to reduce the surface Young's modulus, while maintaining the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. The modification consists of Mo and TiN coatings produced by colloidal techniques which are deposited by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) or spraying onto green or sintered titanium substrates. The final surface structures are formed during a heat treatment, during which diffusion and consolidation of the layers take place. The surfaces are characterised by XRD, SEM, and micro-indentation; showing diffusion areas of between 40 and 85 microns with clear microstructural changes as well as higher hardness values.Funds provided by Spanish Government (program MINECO, ref. MAT2012-38650-C02-01) and Regional Government of Madrid (program MULTIMAT-CHALLENGE, ref. S2013/MIT-2862)