Effect of simulated heating of plasma coating and ceramic firing on Ti and Ti-6Al-4V

The study was performed to understand the impact of heat in plasma coating and ceramic firing of titanium (Ti) and titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) on their mechanical properties, and microstructure. Standard specimens were prepared to measure tensile strength before and after simulated heating cycles using Instron machine of model 4206 at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Yield strength, ultimate strength, and elongation were recorded. The microstructure was studied using an optical microscope. The mechanical properties, microstructure, and grain size remained the same as that of as-received samples at temperatures of 600 and 700 °C for both Ti and Ti-6Al-4V. At temperature 800 and 900 °C decrease in yield strength, and ultimate tensile strength with a change in microstructure was observed. The temperature of plasma coating and ceramic firing that Ti and Ti-6Al-4V metal substrates encounter during the fabrication of coated implants and metal-ceramic restorations do not affect the mechanical properties and microstructure. Above 800 °C, a significant change in mechanical properties and microstructure is observed.