Microstructure and biocompatibility investigation of biomaterial alumina after 30 keV and 60 keV nitrogen ion implantation

Polycrystalline alumina is widely used as biomaterial. It is being used as hip joints, tooth roots etc. Commercially available polycrystalline alumina samples were implanted with 30 keV and 60 keV energy N+ ions at different ion doses ranging from 5 × 1015 ions/cm2 to 5 × 1017 ions/cm2. Change in surface structure is studied using optical microscope. Compound formation at the surface of alumina is confirmed with GXRD. The change in nanohardness at different energies and different ion doses is studied. Improvement in corrosion resistance in Ringer solution is observed implying improvement in biocompatibility of alumina after nitrogen ion implantation. The thrombogenicity of unimplanted and implanted alumina was evaluated using whole blood kinetic clotting time method. Wettability test was carried to judge cell–material adhesion by measuring the contact angle. A comparison of the change in properties after 30 keV and 60 keV nitrogen ion implantation is described in the paper.