Surface energy characterization of unalloyed titanium implants

Abstract

Osteointegration is dependent on a variety of biomechanical and biochemical factors. One factor is the wettability of an implant surface that is directly influenced by its surface energy. This investigation used the Zisman plot to determine critical surface energy. The effects of surface treatment, bulk grain size, and surface roughness on the critical surface tension of unalloyed titanium (Ti) were examined. Radio frequency glow discharge‐treated Ti had the highest critical surface tension, followed by the passivated and heat‐sterlized conditions. Titanium with no surface treatment had the lowest critical surface tension. The surface energy of Ti with an average grain size of 23 μm was not significantly different from that with a grain size of 70 μm. Surface roughness was shown to cause significant difference in measurements and definitely should be considered in studies of this kind. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.