Tribocorrosion and antibacterial behaviour of boron-embedded oxide coated Ti45Nb by plasma electrolytic oxidation

While titanium alloy biomaterials have moderate overall properties, they are often surface-engineered to enhance corrosion resistance, wear, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial qualities. Among various coating processes, PEO is favoured for its ability to embed ions and nanoparticles into the oxide coating. In this study, Ca, P and B-embedded titania layers were successfully formed on the surface of Ti45Nb substrates using PEO. In order to investigate the effect of the boron amount on tribocorrosion and antibacterial/antimicrobial properties, two different boron contents were used in B-embedded coatings. The results were compared with those of the scientific literature. As a result of XRD analyses, anatase and rutile phases, the two main polymorphs of TiO2, were detected on the substrate surfaces as expected. Ca, P and B ions embedded in the oxide layer were determined by XPS analyses. The simultaneous effects of wear and corrosion in the SBF fluid on the oxide coating with and without B embedment were investigated. At the same time, the impact of the presence of boron ion in the oxide layer and the amount of boron in the electrolyte on antimicrobial/antibacterial properties were analysed.