SURFACE-ENERGY CHARACTERIZATION OF UNALLOYED TITANIUM IMPLANTS

Osteointegration is dependent on a variety of biomechanical and bioche mical factors. One factor is the wettability of an implant surface tha t is directly influenced by its surface energy. This investigation use d the Zisman plot to determine critical surface tension as one represe ntative measurement of surface energy. The effects of surface treatmen t, bulk grain size, and surface roughness on the critical surface tens ion of unalloyed titanium (Ti) were examined. Radio frequency glow dis charge-treated Ti had the highest critical surface tension, followed b y the passivated and heat-sterilized conditions. Titanium with no surf ace treat ment had the lowest critical surface tension. The surface en ergy of Ti with an average grain size of 23 mu m was not significantly different from that with a grain size of 70 mu m. Surface roughness w as shown to cause significant difference in measurements and definitel y should be considered in studies of this kind. (C) 1994 John Wiley an d Sons, Inc.