Diffusion, phase formation and segregation effects in Ti6Al4V after oxygen PIII

Plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) of titanium leads to an excellent biocompati`bility of the surface due to the presence of a pure rutile layer. Ti6Al4V has improved mechanical properties due to the addition of vanadium and aluminium. These alloying elements alter the oxygen diffusion kinetics in the surface oxide, but with lesser affect for diffusion in the bulk material. Anatase is the dominant phase in the surface oxide layer. However, elevated temperatures lead to an additional Al segregation towards the surface.