Functionalization of Ti6Al4V scaffolds produced by direct metal laser for biomedical applications

• Scaffolds and solid samples of Ti6Al4V have been produced by DMLS technique.
• Microstructure was acicular α/α′ martensitic microstructure with a nanosize β-phase.
• Scaffolds presented a reduction in Young’s modulus at values near to the bone.
• Anodizing resulted in the growth of a nanoporous oxide films of 100 nm thikness.
• Both solid and scaffolds presented a high corrosion resistance in the PBS solution.

Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) is a powerful tool to produce titanium based biomaterials because the ease to convert 3D medical imaging data into solid objects with excellent mechanical and corrosion properties. DMLS samples can be functionalized by anodizing, allowing the growth of titanium oxide layers of enhanced properties. In the present paper, a complete characterization of the microstructure, mechanical properties and particularly, the corrosion behavior has been carried out to assess their possible use as biomaterial. The results of the anodized scaffolds are very promising, showing a Young Modulus near to the cortical bone and a low corrosion rate, ensuring their suitability for medical applications.

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