%0 journal article
%@ 0957-4530
%A Gordin, D.M., Gloriant, T., Chane-Pane, V., Busardo, D., Mitran, V., Hoeche, D., Vasilescu, C., Drob, S.I., Cimpean, A.

%D 2012
%J Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine
%N 12
%P 2953-2966 
%R doi:10.1007/s10856-012-4750-z
%T Surface characterization and biocompatibility of titanium alloys implanted with nitrogen by Hardion+ technology
%U https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-012-4750-z
12 
%X In this study, the new Hardion+ micro-implanter technology was used to modify surface properties of biomedical pure titanium (CP-Ti) and Ti–6Al–4V ELI alloy by implantation of nitrogen ions. This process is based on the use of an electron cyclotron resonance ion source to produce a multienergetic ion beam from multicharged ions. After implantation, surface analysis methods revealed the formation of titanium nitride (TiN) on the substrate surfaces. An increase in superficial hardness and a significant reduction of friction coefficient were observed for both materials when compared to non-implanted samples. Better corrosion resistance and a significant decrease in ion release rates were observed for N-implanted biomaterials due to the formation of the protective TiN layer on their surfaces. In vitro tests performed on human fetal osteoblasts indicated that the cytocompatibility of N-implanted CP-Ti and Ti–6Al–4V alloy was enhanced in comparison to that of the corresponding non treated samples. Consequently, Hardion+ implantation technique can provide titanium alloys with better qualities in terms of corrosion resistance, cell proliferation, adhesion and viability.