Surface modification of Ti64 through hydrothermal treatment in urea solutions

This study aims to modify Ti64 surface to improve its potential bioactivity and wear resistance. The polished Ti64 surfaces were hydrothermally treated in urea solutions with or without the subsequent heat treatment. Hydrothermal treatment increases the hydrophilicity and Vickers hardness of Ti64 surface. Heat treatment deteriorates the hydrophilicity of Ti64 surface although it enhances the surface hardness. Hydrothermal treatment on a polished Ti64 surface in 3 M urea solution achieves a crack-free and crystallized titania film while still retaining its negatively charged surface with high wettability.