Laser induced anisotropic wetting on Ti-6Al-4V surfaces

The surface of the medical grade titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) was modified using a millisecond laser to alter the topography and wetting behavior. We combined anisotropic surface patterning with a nitriding process which is essential for the protection of dental implants against corrosion and wear. While a homogenous nitride layer was achieved, the laser induced a surface topography composed of both micro- and nano-structures. The surface topography leads to anisotropy in wetting which is desired in next generation implant applications such as nature-analogue anisotropic dental restoration. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.