0507 - Topographical, Electrochemical, and Tribological Characterization of Nitrogen Diffusion Hardened Titanium Alloy

Introduction: Fretting mediated mixed-metal corrosion at the taper-socket interface in modular hip prostheses is an issue of continuing concern. Fretting can be reduced by decreasing micromotion or by improving the tribological properties of the material components at this interface. Ion-implantation and diffusion hardening processes are hypothesized to increase the resistance of the titanium alloy to fretting, but they effect the morphology of the whole implant surface. Also, surface morphology is known to mediate cellular growth and bone apposition to the prostheses. This research tested the hypothesis that a nitrogen diffusion hardening process (Ti-Nidium, Zimmer, Warsaw, IN) significantly alters the surface topography, electrochemistry, and microhardness of the ASTM F136 titanium alloy.