Synthesis of TiO2 coatings by thermal oxidation with a suitable cooling process for improved wettability

The present research aims to develop a suitable cooling strategy in conjunction with the oxidation time during thermal oxidation to develop a TiO2 layer on Ti–6Al–4V substrate that could improve wettability and promote osseointegration. The study was carried out to verify if a change in cooling methods in conjunction with the change in oxidation time during thermal oxidation could influence the wettability of oxide layers for bio-medical implants made of titanium alloys. The prepared specimens are subjected to XRD, XPS, surface roughness and wettability studies to study the effect of cooling methods. A parameter named polycrystallinity index was introduced to explain the relationship between relative intensities in XRD and wettability. Oil cooling with 8 h oxidation was found to be the most favourable one out of all the conditions considered in the present work that would achieve enhanced wettability, resulting in better biomineralization and improved osseointegration.