Ti6Al4V foams having nanotubular surfaces for orthopaedic applications

Despite the widespread use of Ti6Al4V in orthopaedics, the bioinert nature of this alloy limits its biological fixation with the bone tissue. To enhance its bone fixation, two different types of Ti6Al4V foams were fabricated, and their surfaces were modified zto possess nanofeatures. To prepare the foams, spherical‐ or irregular‐shaped Ti6Al4V particles were used to form the backbones of the foams, while magnesium or carbamide powders were used as space holder agents. Once Ti6Al4V foams were fabricated, oxide‐based nanotubular arrays having 40 nm diameter were formed on the interconnected pore surfaces via anodization. Results showed successful growth of nanotubular oxide arrays independent of the pore surface morphology, chemistry, and porosity content. Nanotubular surfaces induced formation of calcium phosphate minerals independent of the Ti6Al4V particle type and the space holder agent. Thus, anodized nanotubular Ti6Al4V foams could potentially induce enhanced integration of Ti6Al4V‐based porous implants with the bone tissue.