Influence of oxidative nanopatterning and anodization on the fatigue resistance of commercially pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V

With an increasingly aging population, a significant challenge in implantology is the creation of biomaterials that actively promote tissue integration and offer excellent mechanical properties. Engineered surfaces with micro- and nanoscale topographies have shown great potential to control and direct biomaterial-host tissue interactions. Two simple yet efficient chemical treatments, oxidative nanopatterning and anodization, have demonstrated the ability to confer exciting new bioactive capacities to commercially pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V alloy. However, the resulting nanoporous and nanotubular surfaces require careful assessment in regard to potential adverse effects on the fatigue resistance, a factor which may ultimately cause premature failure of biomedical implants. In this work, we have investigated the impact of oxidative nanopatterning and anodization on the fatigue resistance of commercially pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V. Quantitative (e.g., S-N curves) and qualitative analyses were carried out to precisely characterize the fatigue response of treated metals and compare it to that of polished controls. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging revealed the effects of cyclic loading on the fracture surface and on the structural integrity of chemically grown nanostructured oxides. Results from this study reinforce the importance of mechanical considerations in the development and optimization of micro- and nanoscale surface treatments for metallic biomedical implants.