Generation of biocompatible TiO₂ layer using atmospheric pressure plasma-assisted fine particle peening

The effect of atmospheric-pressure plasma jet treatment in conjunction with fine particle peening (FPP) on the generation of a TiO₂ layer on pure titanium was investigated. Compared with the TiO₂ layer generated using conventional FPP, the layer generated using plasma-assisted FPP was observed to have a uniform and thick surface. Scratch and friction wear evaluation test results revealed that the layer generated with plasma assistance exhibited superior abrasion resistance. These advantages are attributed to the promotion of adhesion of each particle during the plasma treatment. In addition, the layer generated with plasma assistance exhibited superior biocompatibility.