In this study, the effect of laser treatment on the surface of 3D-printed TiAl6V4 alloy with triply periodic structures was examined. As-printed and chemically etched samples served as references to assess surface changes. Microscopic analysis confirmed that laser treatment caused remelting and wave-like structures, while rapid cooling led to cracks through the new layer. Chemical and phase analyses showed the presence of TixOy (x = 1–2; y = 1–3) compounds, with variations between untreated and treated samples. Both modification methods removed un-sintered powder, but laser treatment preserved strut thickness, benefiting mechanical properties. In particular, the aim of the surface modification was to eliminate sintered particles to minimize the risk of detachment in in vivo applications, thereby enhancing implant reliability. The best mechanical performance was in untreated samples, with laser-treated ones showing only minor reduction. For example, a diamond-structured sample had a yield strength of 93 ± 2 MPa before treatment and 89 ± 3 MPa after. Additionally, surface hardness increased by about 60% post-treatment. Gyroid-structured samples showed superior strength, ductility, and compressive properties compared to diamond structures. Corrosion testing found no localized corrosion, confirming laser treatment did not degrade corrosion resistance. The metabolic activity of laser-treated materials remained above the 70% threshold, indicating cytocompatibility. Therefore, laser treatment holds promise for Ti-based 3D-printed implants.

Composite materials with Ti or Ti alloy reinforcement in a Zn matrix are new, promising materials with potential applications in implantology. Infiltrating zinc into the porous titanium reinforcement of a designed implant could improve its osseointegration. In this field, it is important to avoid the formation of brittle intermetallics; therefore, understanding their growth is fundamental. This work focuses on characterizing the Ti-Zn intermetallic phases at the interface of the TiAlV/Zn and Ti/Zn composites. Samples were prepared by immersing the Ti-6Al-4V or Ti bulk material in zinc melt at various temperatures. After various dwell times, the samples (pieces of Ti-6Al-4V or Ti in the molten zinc) were removed from the furnace and cooled in air. The sequence of evolution of intermetallic phases was observed to be dependent on dwell time at selected temperatures. The influences of surface treatment methods on the boundary structure were also tested.

In this study, binary zinc-based alloys (Zn-1Mg, Zn-1Li, Zn-2Mn, wt.%) were synthesized by performing mechanical alloying (MA) of elemental powders, followed by consolidation using spark plasma sintering (SPS). The processing parameters were optimized to obtain homogeneous powders with controlled particle size. X-ray diffraction and SEM analyses confirmed the presence of secondary intermetallic phases (Mg2Zn11, Zn13Mn, ZnLi2 phases) formed during milling, which were preserved after SPS. Microstructural examination revealed a fine-grained microstructure with residual oxide networks originating from powder surfaces. Mechanical testing demonstrated significant strengthening effects after Mg and Li additions, with Zn-1Mg alloy reaching the highest hardness (128 HV1) and compressive strength (526.7 MPa), attributed to uniformly distributed Mg2Zn11 precipitates. However, this strengthening was accompanied by reduced ductility. Zn-1Li exhibited the most balanced combination of strength and plasticity, while Zn-2Mn provided only a limited improvement over pure zinc. These results confirm that mechanical alloying combined with SPS is a promising route for developing biodegradable Zn-based biomaterials with enhanced properties.