Titanium Alloy Implant Surface Modification via Microwave Hydrothermal Oxidation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for forming microscale and nanoscale structures on titanium alloy implant surfaces require high temperatures, which can degrade the mechanical performance of implants and are not suitable for load-bearing functions.

Innovation Solution

A method involving exposure to an oxidative hydrothermal environment, using microwave irradiation to heat an oxidizing solution, which forms nanostructures on the surface of titanium alloy implants without significant heat-induced degradation, maintaining mechanical integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If high-temperature gas/solid reaction is used to form nanotexture on implant surface, then nanoscale structures are successfully formed, but mechanical performance of implant device degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenanoscale surface structure formationVSAvoidmechanical performance of implant

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the temperature parameter from high temperature (≥700°C) to low temperature (≤100°C) and changes the chemical environment from gas phase to liquid phase (oxidizing solutions like H2O2, NaOH, NH4OH), thereby achieving nanotexture formation without compromising mechanical properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the thermal-mechanical high-temperature gas/solid reaction system with a chemical low-temperature liquid-phase oxidative hydrothermal system, using chemical reactions in liquid solution instead of high-temperature gas phase reactions to achieve the same nanotexturing effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If high-temperature processing is applied to implant surfaces, then nanoscale features are created, but the implant becomes unsuitable for load-bearing functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenanoscale surface topographyVSAvoidsuitability for load-bearing function

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention fundamentally changes the processing temperature parameter from high temperature (≥700°C) to low temperature (≤100°C), and changes the phase from gas to liquid, thereby achieving nanotexture formation that preserves the implant's mechanical integrity and reliability for load-bearing applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method effectively creates nanostructures that enhance osteoblastic differentiation and osseointegration while preserving the mechanical properties of the implants, promoting bone regeneration without the need for high-temperature processing.

Implementation Method 1

The oxidative hydrothermal environment may comprise, consist essentially of or consist of an oxidizing solution that has been heated using microwave irradiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave irradiation: Microwave Radiation

Implementation Method 2

exposing the surface of the device to an oxidative hydrothermal environment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

exposing the surface of the device to an oxidative hydrothermal environment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrothermal reaction:

Data Source

PatentUS9889229B2Surface modification of implant devices

Publication Date: 2018.02.13 GEORGIA TECH RES CORP

AI summary

The present invention provides implant devices comprising nanoscale structures on the surface thereof and methods of manufacturing such implant devices. In some embodiments, methods of manufacturing an implant device comprise exposing a surface of the implant device to an oxidative hydrothermal environment for a duration sufficient to generate nanoscale structures on the exposed surface(s) of the implant device.