Bioinert coatings of Ti-Ta-N for medical implants obtained by electric explosion spraying and subsequent electron-ion-plasma modification

The purpose of the research was to form a Ti-Ta-N- system bioinert coating on Ti6Al4V alloy surface as well as to study its structure and properties. The main contribution of the research is in the following. Electro-explosion spraying of tantalum coating on VT6 titanium alloy surface was pioneered in the research. After that the processing of the coating by low-energy high-current electron beam and subsequent nitriding was carried out in a single technological cycle. It has been established that a nanocrystalline coating based on tantalum, nitrogen and titanium was formed as a result of the technological operations. The phase composition of the coatings has been detected. The variations in crystal lattice parameters being formed in coating of phases and coherent scallering regions of these phases depending on power density of electron beam have been determined. Structural characteristics of the coatings at nano- and microlevel have been detected. Tests of coatings for nanohardness, the Young modulus, wear resistance and friction factor have been carried out. By all technical characteristics Ti-Ta-N-system coating exceeds titanium of VT6 grade. The cause of the increase in mechanical characteristics of the Ti-Ta-N-system coating is their nanostructural state and strengthening phases. Tests for proliferation activity of fibroplasts and antimicrobial activity have shown better results in comparison with VT6 titanium alloy as well. It is due to escape of vanadium ions from VT6 alloy into nutrient cell medium and their destructive effect on cell cultures. Variations in proliferation and antimicrobial activity develop due to amplification of cell proliferation. A complex of the obtained characteristics makes it possible to recommend Ti-Ta-N-system coating for its application as a bioinert coating on different implants in furure.