Effect of Different Sandblasting Parameters on the Properties of Additively Manufactured and Machined Titanium Surfaces.

Background/aim: In dentistry, the surfaces of titanium implants are often sandblasted and acid-etched in order to support successful osseointegration. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of various sandblasting parameters on the surface roughness, contact angle and surface energy of additively manufactured (TiAl6V4) and machined commercially pure titanium (cpTi) surfaces.

Materials and methods: A total of 56 disc-shaped samples were produced using either laser powder bed fusion (TiAl6V4) or using precision cutting (cpTi). The samples were then sandblasted with different angles, distances, and pressures using an automated sandblasting machine. Afterwards, surface roughness and contact angle for water and diiodomethane were measured, and scanning electron microscopy images were taken.

Results: The results showed that the initially rough TiAl6V4 samples became smoother after sandblasting, while the smooth cpTi surfaces became rougher. Sandblasting pressure had the most significant influence on surface roughness. The surface energy of sandblasted TiAl6V4 samples showed no significant change compared to the as-built state (26.6±1.3 to 26.3±1.8 mJ/m²). In contrast, cpTi samples showed a reduction in surface energy after sandblasting (32.3±1.6 to 26.8±1.2 mJ/m²). Scanning electron microscopy revealed irregular surfaces with grooves and ridges for both types of samples. The roughness of TiAl6V4 decreased at higher sandblasting pressures, whereas cpTi surfaces became rougher.

Conclusion: Surface roughness after sandblasting is strongly influenced by the initial surface, which differs in additively manufactured TiAl6V4 samples compared to machined cpTi surfaces.