Synthesis, structural, electrochemical and tribological characterization of nanostructured compound based on titanium (Ti-Ni) for biomedical applications
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Date
2025
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
Medical implants are essential for improving the quality of life of people who suffer, especially
in the orthopedic field. Therefore, the need for biomaterials has increased exponentially as a
result of the necessity for replacing or repairing damaged parts of the human body to regain the
missing shape or functionality of biological tissue. To achieve the long-term performance of
these implants, they must have distinct mechanical, tribological, and electrochemical properties.
In this context, this study aims to examine the effect of milling times on the mechanical,
tribological, and electrochemical properties of Ti
50
-Ni
50
(or Nitinol), which is one of the most
attractive materials in the medical field for orthopedic implants due to its unique properties.
Ti
50
-Ni
50
alloys were synthesized using high-energy ball milling under different milling times (2,
6, 12, and 18 h). The size, shape, and uniform chemical composition of the powder particles
were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy
(EDS). The alloyed particles' structural characteristics were determined through the use of X-ray
diffraction (XRD). Mechanical properties were assessed using hardness tests, while tribological
behavior was examined using a ball-on-plate tribometer operating in Ringer's Solution under
various applied load of 2, 10, and 20 N. The electrochemical properties were characterized by
open-circuit potential (OCP) measurement, potentiodynamic polarization (PD), and the
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) technique. To simulate typical biological
conditions, Hank's solution at pH = 7.4 and T = 37 °C were used as the electrolyte.
The results revealed that the milling process influences the particle size and shape of powders,
where the proportion of fine particles increased with increasing grinding times from 2 h to 18 h
due to severe deformation and fracturing. This improvement in particle refinement contributed to
enhanced mechanical attributes, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance, making the material
useful for bone implants.