Surface Modification of Ti6Al4V Alloys by Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) Plasma for Enhance Bioactivity
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.23851/nmi.2026.2.1.28Keywords:
Surface modification, Ti6Al4V alloy, DBD plasma treatment, hydrothermal method, hydroxyapatite coatings, hydrophilic surfaceAbstract
Surface modifications of Ti6Al4V alloys are essential for improving their performance when implanted into the human body. Surface modification by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma is a simple and practical method, ensuring ease of use, economic viability, and reliable results. In this paper, the surface of the Ti6Al4V alloy was modified with DBD plasma and then compared with the unmodified surface after both were coated with strontium-doped hydroxyapatite (Sr-HA) by the hydrothermal method. The characterization of the surfaces was assessed with respect to crystalline structure, surface morphology, wettability, antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae colonies, and corrosion behavior. The bioactivity was also evaluated in vitro by immersing both coated surfaces in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution for 28 days. The results show that the surface modified with DBD plasma enhanced the adhesion of nanostructured coating, became more hydrophilic with a contact angle of 51.5°, and exhibited the higher polarization resistance value (Rp=13.3 kΩ.cm2) compared with the unmodified surface (Rp= 5 kΩ.cm2). In addition, the bone-like apatite was improved on the modified surface. Thus, surface modification with DBD plasma is an effective way to enhance the nucleation sites and surface hydrophilicity, thereby improving the biological activity of the implant surface.
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