Surface modification of Ti-13Nb-13Zr implant alloy by ZrO2 nano-particles coating using RF plasma magnetron sputtering

• ZrO2 Coating on Ti-13Nb-13Zr Alloy: The use of RF plasma magnetron sputtering technique to enhance the chemical and biological properties of Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy surface. • Optimal RF Power Determination: The optimal power of 150 W for ZrO2 coating was found to provide the highest coating thickness and best corrosion resistance properties. • High Corrosion Resistance: The corrosion rate for the 150 W coated sample was reduced to 0.169×10⁻³ mm per year, nearly 20 times lower than the uncoated sample. • Hydroxyapatite (HA) Formation: After immersion in SBF solution for 30 days, the highest amount of hydroxyapatite (HA) formation was observed on the 150 W coated sample, indicating superior osseointegration potential. The most wildly clinically used Ti-6Al-4V (Ti6-4) is now being replaced by a more suitable Ti-13Zr-13Nb (Ti13-13) because of its many superiorities. However, in spite of its remarkable mechanical, chemical, and biological advantages, its surface should still be coated by a suitable material in order to modify the chemical and biological characteristics. In the present work, the surface of Ti13-13 alloy was coated with a functionally graded ZrO 2 nanoparticles using RF plasma magnetron sputtering (RF-PMS) in an attempt to further enhance its chemical and biological characteristics. The samples were coated at RF plasma powers of P =100-175 W with an increasing increment of Δ P = 25 W. The phase analysis, microstructure, and corrosion resistance of the samples were determined using XRD, SEM, OCP and EIS, respectively. The biological potential was evaluated by immersing the specimens in SBF solution for 30 days and then determining their structural and corrosion behaviors in an attempt to achieve to optimum results. The PMS of 150 W was found to be optimum in order to achieve to most suitable properties in the ZrO 2 coating