Surface modification of Ti-49.8at%Ni alloy by Ti ion implantation: phase transformation, corrosion, and cell behavior

The Ti-49.8at%Ni alloy was modified by Ti ion implantation to improve its corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. The chemical composition and morphologies of the Ti Ni alloy surface were determined using atomic force microscopy(AFM), auger electron spectroscopy(AES), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS). The results revealed that Ti ion implantation caused the reduction of Ni concentration and the formation of a Ti O2 nano-film on the Ti Ni alloy. The phase transformation temperatures of the Ti–Ti Ni alloy remained almost invariable after Ti ion implantation. Electrochemical tests indicated that the corrosion resistance of Ti Ni increased after Ti ion implantation. Moreover, the Ni ion release rate in 0.9% Na Cl solution for the Ti Ni alloy remarkably decreased due to the barrier effect of the Ti O2 nano-film. The cell proliferation behavior on Ti-implanted Ti Ni was better than that on the untreated Ti Ni after cell culture for 1 d and 3 d.